Forums > Specific Focus > Home, Garden & Construction in Mexico

barbaroja

Apr 3, 2011, 4:29 PM

Post #1 of 4 (4161 views)

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Sealer for masonry cistern

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I have a 5 year old 100,000 liter rainwater cistern (5x5 meters & 4 meters deep). It worked perfectly for 4 1/2 years and then started to lose water slowly at first and more quickly in recent months. It lost almost 1000 liters last month. We looked for cracks but can find none. The maestro who built it says the water is wicking up through the ceiling of the cistern and evaporating. I'm not sure I believe him but I want to re-seal the whole thing none-the-less. Can anyone recommend a potable water safe sealer for a masonry (cement) cistern? In the US I would ask for an ansi-61 standard product. I can try that but if anyone knows of a specific product that would be great.

Barba Roja
http://www.mapaverdesanmiguel.org/

Maesonna

Apr 4, 2011, 3:48 PM

Post #2 of 4 (4127 views)

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Re: [barbaroja] Sealer for masonry cistern

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I have no first-hand knowledge, but I think this search will get you on the right track.

Sculptari

Apr 8, 2011, 6:42 AM

Post #3 of 4 (4074 views)

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Re: [barbaroja] Sealer for masonry cistern

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I have tried this concrete waterproofing additive called KIM when it first came out. Now it is well proven in the market and available in Mexico if you follow the trail on their website

Code

 http://www.kryton.com/top10reasons

(This post was edited by Rolly on Apr 8, 2011, 7:11 AM)

BajaDean

Apr 10, 2011, 5:32 PM

Post #4 of 4 (4009 views)

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Re: [barbaroja] Sealer for masonry cistern

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I have a neighbor whos US/canada business is concrete sealing in cases like yours.

this was his advice to me with cracks in mine. ... sika products in the USA should be used, look for crack fix. It is specifically Sikadur 33 crack and injection resins. this one says it is moisture-tolerant. It is not available in Mexico.

I recently used the garage floor clear epoxie by quickrete, this can not be used in direct sun but on the inside of a pila it is obviously fine. you only need a pint for 6 cracks 3-4 feet long. talk to me in a year if it is still holding. but all initial tests show it is working good, and in general once a epoxy hardens it is good to go. From what our local resin concrete guru has explained to me you must have a dry surface when applying. And the label instructions on this brand specifically state that, this one is NOT moisture tolerant application. I let my wall dry out for several weeks and had to use a fan on one small area for 3 days. used a drill wire brush to clean areas around it and a hand held tile cutter that injects water to keep the dust down while chasing the groove.

A WARNING WHEN USING EPOXIES MAKE SURE YOU HAVE A HIGH VELOCITY FAN RUNNING FROM THE TOP GIVING YOU GOOD AIR AND DO NOT SPEND A LOT OF TIME IN THE TANK.... IT IS NOT GOOD FOR YOU.

I have another friend in large scale projects and they use the following... and I believe the benefit to this one could be it was not toxic to breath. another product is xypex, but you must keep this one moist
http://www.xypex.com/...licators/index_f.php
http://www.xypex.com/...coating.php?t=repair