Water Leaks Around Conduit, Pipes, Water Lines and Penetrations in Concrete Walls
All penetrations through a concrete foundation can leak water. That is because when the water line, conduit, sewer pipe or other penetration was installed a hole was drilled all the way through the wall. This hole provides a direct path for water to get into your basement.
At the time of installation, “water plug” was most likely used to seal these openings. The water plug is like cement and is placed on the inside and outside of the opening around the pipe. Unfortunately, the water plug cannot get more than 2 inches into the opening. There is a void behind it that collects water. Polyurethane foam can be injected into this voide and completely seal the entire void.
Water Plug Failure Around Pipes and Conduit
At the time of installation, the penetration was sealed with a product commonly called “water plug.” Water plug is a cement like product that is packed into the gap around the pipe. The installer is unable to get the water plug all the way through concrete wall. Eventually water makes its way into the gap and you see the water leaking down the inside of your basement. Water plug fails because it cannot bind tightly to the surrounding concrete or pipe. The bond fails and water begins to enter. Or, the water plug begins to crumble and crack. Injecting polyurethane into the void will stop the leak.
Polyurethane Foam Injection to Stop the Water Leak
A simple repair to stop the water leak can be done by injecting a polyurethane foam into and around the pipe that is leaking. The polyurethane goes in as a liquid and then foams and expands around the pipe. The foam binds tightly to the concrete and the pipe. Once the foam has completely expanded, it will fill the void through the wall all the way through to the outside.
First a small hole is made in the water plug if it is tight to the concrete wall. An injection port is placed inside this hole. This is how the polyurethane will be injected into the void. After placing the port, the entire area is sealed with Poxy Paste. This ensures that the Hydra Stop 300 polyurethane will not leak out. Finally, the Hydra Stop 300 polyurethane is injected. The total time for the repair is one hour.