I am installing a firepit outside and its almost complete with the exception of the fire bricks on the interior. The supply house where I got the bricks told me to install them with : one part portland one part sand one part clay I coated the walls first with a thin layer of the mortar and then started to install the bricks (split bricks, 4 x 8 x 1inch thick) using a notch trowel but the mix was not tacky. I did three bricks and they came off clean. What can I do? Was the ratio of cement, sand and clay not correct? Need help.

I have two cinder block retaining walls that we are getting ready to wire and resurface. The walls have no weep holes and I can't find any instructions on how to install them into a completed wall. We know there are areas where water is building up behind them. We have installed drain basins along the length behind them and are diverting as much of the water away from them as possible. My thought is to drill small holes at the base of the wall at the concrete level and insert a pvc pipe for the weep hole, but not sure that is correct? I am concerned that they will just get clogged with the dirt from behind the wall? The walls are 20' L x 7' H and 40' L x 11' H, so digging behind them is not a easy solution. Any advice would be appreciated !!!