Common Causes of Concrete Drainage Issues Blocked or Insufficient Drains: A lack of proper drainage systems or clogged drains can cause water to collect, leading to runoff issues. Cracks or Gaps in the Concrete: Over time, even small cracks can allow water to seep in, leading to larger drainage problems.
If you want to get water out of the sunken area, you want to add a drain and pipe it to a storm drainage system, or depending on ground drainage conditions, pipe it to a dry well.
Use a concrete patching compound specifically formulated for repairing cracks and depressions in concrete. These compounds are cement-based and contain aggregates to match the texture of the existing concrete. Mix the patching compound according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Use Croc Crete to Remove Hardened Cement
This is the best method of removing hardened concrete from a drainage system. Croc Crete is a cement softener that attacks concrete at its core. It transforms cement back to its liquid form, allowing you to work it through the drain.
Use a plasticizer/flow agent rather than adding water to make it flow. Ratios should stay as listed on the cement bag.
Try the vinegar and baking soda trick. Pour half a cup of baking soda followed by a cup of distilled white vinegar down the drain. Let it sit for a few minutes, then allow the reaction to clear any minor clogs or buildup. Finally, flush the drain with hot water.
The inorganic compounds which are useful as concrete dissolvers generally include inorganic acids such as hydrochloric, phosphoric, hypochlorous and carbonic acid. Salts of these acids and alkalies such as sodium-hydroxide, sodium bicarbonate and ammoniumsulfate are also eifective.
Concrete being poured or spilled down your drains unsurprisingly causes pipe blockages or slow draining plumbing.
Because concrete temperatures change at a much slower pace than air does, a concrete slab can remain at a temperature lower than the dew point, causing moisture to form on the floor. Sweating slab syndrome is most prevalent in spring and summer when temperatures fluctuate the most.
One of the simplest solutions is to add more cement, aggregate and sand to your mix. This can help absorb some of the excess water and bring your mix back to the ideal consistency.
Concrete floor seepage occurs primarily when there is a large amount of hydrostatic pressure beneath the floor of your home. Continue reading to learn how to stop concrete floor seepage and how to keep a basement or concrete floor dry.
If you were to just grind it up and add more water, it wouldn't do much because the cement has already reacted. You would have to grind the concrete up and bake it at a high temperature to make the chemical bonds in the cement break and release the water.
Water can breakdown the materials that concrete is made of. Create mold and bacteria in the concrete, and cause concrete foundations to move and shift. All of these result in cracks in the concrete. Eventually damage to the concrete foundation of the home if not taken care of promptly.
The excess water will upset the water-cement ratio, leading to a weakened surface or potential dusting of the concrete once cured. To remedy this, the surface water can be removed by simply dragging a garden hose or air compressor hose across the surface. The heavier the hose the better.
A great way to clear a blockage without using chemicals is to use a hose or pressure jet to force the obstruction through the pipe. To do this, you should first clear the drain as much as possible using your hands or tools and then scoop out the water to a manageable level.
The Best Outside Drain Unblocker
For solid blocks in your outside drains, use caustic soda to help. We have also provided a step-by-step guide for how to unblock your outside drains with a drain rod or read more about drain rods below.
Easily remove concrete from your tools and equipment with Mean Klean 22 oz. Concrete & Mortar Dissolver. The advanced liquid formula dissolves and physically breaks down concrete by attacking the Portland cement, eventually reducing it to mush that is easy to clean off with a hose or pressure sprayer.
If your concrete floor has been affected by moisture, getting it dry quickly is important to avoid further damage or mold growth. The most common and effective way to do this is by using a dehumidifier in tandem with fans to help draw out the air humidity and excess water quickly.
In short, the difference between cement vs concrete is easy to clear once we know all the basics of their compositions. Cement is a binding agent made from limestone and clay; whereas concrete is a building material created through the proper mixing of cement, water, sand, and rock.