I need to open a hole in the block foundation for a 2″ pipe. I like to think of myself as a jack of all trades, but this would be a first.
It’s the block foundation wall. The interior is totally accessible, as is the external side (above grade).
My thought was to drill a circle of holes using a masonry bit and knock out the center, but that just shows that I have no real starting point.
Any suggestions?
Thanks
Replies
Rent a core bit and roto hammer.
Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations
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3-pound hand sledge and a cold chisel, so long as the cores aren't filled.
If the Block is hollow, no grout, yes that is the easiest method. does not make a real pretty hole , if you want pretty rent a diamond hole saw it will go through that like butter. Or buy a carbide grit Hole saw not a toothed saw. Lowes and HD has them for around 20.
Wallyo
If the block isn't filled you could have had it done in the time it took to post and read this.
Filled it's still doable your way but will take longer.
One time hole, go for it.
Start near the middle, if it's filled it will go easier through the center of the block as it's softer than concrete. If not filled make hold off center.
Joe H
just hit it with a hammer, done, commerical still on, what do I do with the other 30 seconds
I'm glad you said it first.
Didn't want to sound like a hack.
Tap, tap , tap, Blast.
Makes an amazingly clean, round hole.
Ducking, but I'm good with it.Remodeling Contractor just on the other side of the Glass City
I saw a plumber do a perfect hole about that size by outlining a circle with smacks from a nail set and then hitting the center with a hammer, same procedure both sides of the block. Never tried it myself.
I don't know where you're at, or if the cell is filled, but engineers in the bay area don't allow us to rotohammer cmu walls. If we're drilling holes, we have to use a core-bore unit. Doesn't break up the joints as much.
k
Tap on the core to see if it is filled or not....or maybe you can see from the top.
Take a regular 20 oz. hammer and whack it in the center of the core a few times and you will make a perfect hole if you keep hitting it in the same spot. Gently tap around the edge of the hole to get the size you want. Mortar around pipe or sleeve.
I have done this hundreds of times with our block walls.
I once watched a guy create a new door opening in a CMU wall using nothing but a claw hammer.
The modern conservative is engaged in one of man's oldest exercises in moral philosophy; that is, the search for a superior moral justification for selfishness. -John Kenneth Galbraith