the proper cement

i am going to do a french drain in my basement. keeping hd and lowes in mind, what kind of cement would i use to seal it up with? do i need to apply a bonding agent as well?

 

1st...why would you consider blocking a french drain??? I assume you have a leakage problem. Plugging the drainis not the answer.

90% of basement water problems can be fixed by making sure the outside grading slopes away(at least 1'/foot) from the foundation at least 6-9', and that gutters and downspout work and get water at least 6-9' away from the foundation.

 

Frankie -

Are looking for guidance on that kind of "cement" you use to cover the trench from the installation of the drain tile?

If so, you want to use concrete. My suggestion would be to used the preblended bags of cement and aggregate that should give you about 3000 psi according to the label on the bag (Sakrete, Quikrete, etc.)

The use of bags makes the job easier and you can mix and place as you go.

Dick

 

i am not sealing up anything. i am going to install a french drain. what kind of cement do i use to fill in the trenches? bonding agent?

 

You do not fill the trench with concrete. You fill it with feew draining gravel so the water can get into the drain tile. Do not worry much about where the drain tile runs into the sump because the pump will get rid of any extra water that may find it way in. After the trench with the drain tile in it is filled cap it off with concrete sold dry in bags. - I hope you are not installing a floor level system that some people might call a drain tile system.

It is not really necessary to use a bonding agent for the narrow strip of concrete you pour over the drain tile because the water will be removed by the drain tile. You can use it if you chose and it makes you feel better.

Dick

 

if you're going to install what is mistakenly known as a ' french drain ', don't f it up & take shortcuts,,, this incl filter fabric, clean # 57 stone, perforated corrugated hdpe pipe, vapor barrier, & concrete to replace your bsmt floor,,, look on our w/site for a diagram if you wish,,, don't forget system cleanout(s), drainage holes in the sump, & surrounding the sump w/stone.