How to Repair Concrete Around an Ejector Pump

A small, inexpensive trowel will be useful as you repair the concrete.

An ejector pump is used when installing a water-using device — such as a commode — in a basement not already plumbed for it. A basin similar to a sump basin is set into the floor and the ejector pump forces the material inside it up to the home's sewer pipes. If you must break a hole in the concrete floor to install the basin, repair will be needed to restore the integrity of the floor and to make it look good.

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Cold chisel
• Hammer
• Small brush
• Concrete bag
• Water
• Mixing vessel
• Shovel
• Concrete adhesive
• Trowel
• Plastic sheets

1. Fixing The Gap

   • 1
     Clean the concrete around the basin by sweeping away dust and debris. This will need to be done several times as your work will generate new dust and concrete particles.
   • 2
     Identify the areas to be repaired. Cutting into concrete never leaves a perfect circular hole for the basin, so there are probably gaps between the concrete and the basin. These must be filled in. Even a hairline crack must be repaired as it may otherwise grow larger. Fix the larger problems first.
   • 3
     Shape the gap between the concrete and the tub to one that is better for holding the concrete patch. Use a cold chisel and hammer to cut out along the bottom of the gap on the concrete side so that the gap is slightly wider on the bottom than it is on the top. After the concrete dries, the wider bottom prevents the plug from popping out under stress. The sides of the gap do not have to be smooth. Brush and wash away all dust and debris again.
   • 4
     Mix the amount of concrete necessary to fill the gap. A standard 80-lb. bag of concrete mixes to to a little over 6,000 cubic inches, while a 5-gallon bucket holds 1,155 cubic inches, or about 20 percent of the concrete. This will help determine how much concrete you need.
   • 5
     Coat the inside of the gap with a concrete adhesive. There are many types on the market. Apply yours according to the instructions. Some adhesives need time to dry to gain the right amount of adhesion before pouring the concrete in.
   • 6
     Pour the concrete in, working it around with a rod to make sure it seeps into the lower, wider levels and that no air bubbles form. Continue to pour until the concrete is level with the floor. Work the surface with a trowel until water begins to come up. Allow the water to seep back into the concrete and then trowel for a final smoothing.
   • 7
     Cover the concrete with plastic after two or three hours. Once a day for a week uncover it and spray it lightly down with water. After seven days remove the plastic.

   Fixing Cracks

   • 1
     Widen the crack with the chisel and hammer until you can slightly undercut it — or to make the bottom wider than the top the same as with the larger gap. Clean the gap thoroughly by sweeping along the inside.
   • 2
     Swab the inside of the crack with the same concrete adhesive. Mix the concrete and force it inside the crack to cover all the area. A thin crack may require a creative tool such as a ice cream bar stick to reach inside it. Wipe the concrete level with the floor with a trowel.
   • 3
     Cover the crack with plastic and allow it sit for five to seven days before removing the plastic for good. Once a day during this time lift the plastic up and sprinkle water along the crack.

Tips & Warnings

• The better the job of cutting through the concrete the less work needed to repair it.

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