How to Patch a Cement Cistern

The cistern is designed to collect rainwater or act as a storage device for drinking water. If your cement cistern cracks, the damage could keep your cistern from holding water. Patching a cement cistern can be a simple process that takes two to three days to finish. With the right tools and concrete solution, you can repair the cracks in your cement cistern so that you can continue to collect and store viable drinking water.

Cement adhesion booster
Paintbrush
Concrete (with water) mixture
Sponge
Trowel

Instructions

- 1
  Identify the cracked or damaged areas of your cistern. Brush a layer of cement adhesion booster over the cracked surface. Let dry for two hours then apply another coat. Wait another two hours.
- 2
  Dampen the surface of the damaged area of the cistern with a sponge. The water will help the new concrete bond with the cistern as it dries.
- 3
  Mix water with concrete powder until it becomes a thick mud-like substance. Apply the concrete to the cracked or damage areas of the cistern. Smooth out the concrete with a trowel and allow the concrete to air dry for a full 24 hours.
- 4
  Monitor the newly applied concrete for curling. If it begins to curl, it will crack and chip due to the pressure of evaporating water. Continue to dampen the concrete surface with a sponge to prevent curling.

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