this post was submitted on 14 Jan 2024
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Home Improvement

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1950s house with block foundation. I’ve patched these areas with hydraulic cement. That didn’t work so I stripped and cleaned the areas thoroughly then repatched. It improved but still getting lots of leaking where the foundation and floor meet or just above.

The main trouble spot sits next to the water heater where some old oil tank lines were. Can I safely cut those out with an angle grinder and try to patch that up? There’s a giant concrete hump that encases them where the water leaks over too.

Our exterior is naturally moist. We’ve got a sump pump, French drain, gutters discharges all well away from the house. Short of digging up and putting in new footer tiles (which I definitely can’t afford now), I’m at a loss.

Any suggestions would be helpful. Waterproof paint? Block filler?

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[–] Everythingispenguins@lemmy.world 5 points 10 months ago (1 children)

Okay a few thoughts.

You I would probably cut them with a hacksaw. Honestly it would probably be fine with the grinder, but just in case it is better to not have sparks.

Do you know if the block has been sealed? It may not have been. Concrete is porous and will weep Water. You might call a concrete guy and ask if there is any kind of interior coating that can be used to seal it.

In the meantime get a UV air filter, a dehumidifier and some microban. You don't need mold getting a foot hold.

[–] clearedtoland@lemmy.world 2 points 10 months ago

That’s what I’m leaning towards. I don’t see any coating, except for the floor. I’m thinking that and a lucky rabbits foot are my last shot.