How To Back Fill And Pour New Concrete In Your Basement Professionally

[@fionafowlks6661]

I love watching your videos! I was ten years old when my dad and I did our first big remodel. I have never lived in a home that I did not do a major reno. Please, please, please wear a mask! I always thought I was tough and didn't "need" a mask, or respirator. I exposed myself to so many things that finally caught up to me. By the time you notice you have trouble breathing, the problem is far worse than you can imagine and not reversible. Protect your lungs, seriously!

[@tumbleweed1976]

Amen! And if you can ventilate do it. Extra steps certainly but you just might live longer and healthier.

[@pyro8696]

Wow! I have to fill the holes left after having piers installed from the inside. Didn't know the term was back-fill, didn't know about using gravel, didn't know I could mix buckets one after the other, didn't know jack! Now, I feel quite confident that I can get it done. Thanks so much. this video was perfect.

[@joshcowart2446]

Kudos for putting the screws where you did. I don’t know how many times concrete guys or other plumbers put those in and screw from the sides which is a headache to get out

[@RossWilliamsDC]

Such a treat watching a true pro in action. I am a house reno-holic. Your tips and tricks have often helped to make my life much easier. Thank you.

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

Always glad to help make things easier. Cheers!

[@Robbo-qi2zl]

Finally some basement reno videos that are to the point and work for the everyman. Also, the lack of personal safety gear - love it.

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

I am tired of shows trying to over sell homeowners on product based on solving problems that don't really exist.

[@learn.education]

I am a 31 yr old business contractor. I LOVE your videos so informative. You really are a pleasure to watch. The techniques that you imply are straight forward I always learn something new watching your videos. Keep them coming

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

Glad to hear I am helping you out. Cheers!

[@joewong6662]

Went an picked up that mixer Wore a mask Was done in an hr Thank u. 👍

[@CWood-ei3yi]

Great video. I watching it right now eating my breakfast before going down to my basement bathroom and back fill it in. This video really informed me and helped my confidence to get it done right

[@SandiRose2008]

First...NOTHING wrong with old school. Sadly, every generation thinks it's so much smarter than the next. Not that I'm so smart, but I've always asked no matter which generation... Why are you doing it the hard way? Funny how angry that makes people. And secondly... I love reading the comments section. People have good questions and good ideas, and you always try to have the right/best answer. Thank you guys for another informative video.

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

Our pleasure Sandi, true wisdom is to learn from everyone.

[@roweboat]

So much value in so many of your videos!! Thanks Jeff & Crew!! =D

[@suzanajones323]

I am so happy that "you are there." I been trying to get someone make me a basement bathroom, but contractors come look at work and I never get estimates. At times that I did get estimates they are insane. I have bathroom of 88 x108 and they are asking for $10,000 to $19,000 JUST FOR LABOR as I have already bought everything for building my bathroom. I LOVE how you explain things... I am woman and thus not too strong, but after watching your videos I see that I can do many things that you are teaching us. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR EVERYTHING YOU DO FOR ALL OF US!!!!Suzana

[@allankellar1896]

You are the kind of employer that a person could learn a large amount of important information from

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

Thanks Allan, I love to teach. Cheers!

[@hypnosiscenternyc]

Great tip ... mixing the concrete in that bucket. Its those little things that you don't think about before you create a mess.

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

saves bringing a wheel barrow or mixing pit down the stairs.

[@1474wilson]

I do this pail trick all the time when I parge foundations.. I can't stress it enough to the new guys I work with.. "Put the right amount of water in the pail from the beginning and it will mix up so fast and easy" Rather than adding a little bit more and a little bit more...

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

Hey Sean, amazing how simple following instructions can be. lol Good to hear from you again.

[@perubia]

Hi Jeff, Thank you for taking the time and effort in making all of these helpful videos. Much appreciated! My partner and I will be backfilling an area of concrete slab in our kitchen after rerouting the plumbing for the sink to an exterior wall under a bay window. I was curious, should our pipes, including the hot/cold water copper lines, be supported and buried in the gravel to limit the amount of contact with the concrete? We also plan on taking advantage of the opening to add a conduit for electrical to an island. Should this also be buried in the gravel and not come in direct contact with the concrete? No worries if you're unable to address my questions. Again, I appreciate all you do. Thanks!

[@davidharris3823]

Great tip(s) I was mixing concrete outside in a wheel barrow then lugging it via buckets down a ladder into my repair job in the basement. Got a lot more to do but I'll be doing it now by your method.

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

Cheers!

[@albertmorales2126]

Your video's are awesome man... you help me so much with my projects throughout my home... I bought an old built house about 10 years ago ... at 1st i wasn't financially set to do projects but now that i have a good financial foundation im doing alot of projects that I've honestly ignored and im paying the price for it ... But thank you sir truly.. What makes your video's special is you lay it out for the average DIY'er and don't explain it like im an everyday carpenter!! 🤙

[@tomsakoulas7930]

You have been my main source of information when it comes to home improvement. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@kayess007]

Like all your videos...love the way you say prowcess

[@niceoness]

What should I use for a hole in my driveway and also what cement is best to use for stone steps??? Thanks Reno!

[@zackolson3997]

Great video - long time watcher! I have a question - how many bags can you practically mix using this method? In other words at what point is the job too big and you run into curing issues while you are still mixing and dumping concrete mix into the slab? Could you practically do a job that required 30 bags as an example?

[@bperryful]

This video is exactly what I needed to see. Thank you. I am installing a Laticrete pre formed shower pan which connects to the drain pipe a couple of inches below the surface of the slab. How should I fill the "hole" made by the 2x4 box and with what when I install it?

[@kevinkepa6364]

It's 3AM in Belgium, my phone ringed because notification squad.. well since I'm up anyway let's enjoy a video !

[@kevinkepa6364]

I indeed enjoyed it

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

My apologies for getting you up so early!

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

So glad you eat least enjoyed it kevin Kepa! Cheers. Best comment of the year.!!!!

[@RighttothePointDIY]

Good stuff. I love the idea of the box around the drain.

[@SP4G3]

Thanks for the final batch trick! 👍

[@sabogwepaks]

Thanks for sharing! Your videos really pushes me to finish my basement on my own!

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

You will do awesome! cheers!

[@williamwoods7503]

Maryland USA and i know you guys are in Canada from watching your videos.

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

Maybe someday soon we will be able to travel and renovate. Who knows!

[@shaniapedersen1645]

Planning to stain the concrete floor in my basement and I really enjoy your tutorials. Do you have video on this or plan on making one anytime soon?

[@Mike-xj5gj]

really enjoyed this. you speak well and clear. Don't piss around either. I'm writing to you from Halifax, Yorkshire, England. I'm filling a hole that use to be the hearth in the dining room, the floor underneath has some concrete but it's slightly uneven, plus there is a gap underneath the remaining hearth which is built into the wall (which I am keeping as a feature piece). do you have any tips?

[@raylarson1712]

Thanks for a very good video. I needed some specifics in my thought process and you hit the nail on the head:)

[@smileytheresa63]

Your videos are super helpful. We bought a new house In West Va and am super excited to build our basement to our own liking. Our basement bathroom is already plumb in ready. Do you have any videos of doing your own bathroom with a garden tub or worldpool tub tying into the rough in.

[@mattt198654321]

Black PVC, extremely friendly, says PRO-cess. Must be Canadian! 👍

[@JustNel]

Awesome job! I liked this and the kitchen demo video.. it's informative. If I ever purchase a home with an unfinished basement I know I can do it.. with time of course

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

Thanks, We really appreciate the comment. You can do it , we can help. LOL

[@osamajassim5204]

Really very nice work .feasible practical, excellent.this will encourage to do my new bathroom in the house.

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

glad to hear this will be helpful.

[@welltekdiagnostics6835]

you must Love what you are doing ..great video

[@CAN182403]

Hello Jeff It's always interesting and informative to watch your videos Started to finish my Basement, your subfloor video was very useful to start With, sure I am going to use more of your videos to finish our project ☺☺☺

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

Thanks for commenting, Let us know if you ever have any questions, that is what we are here for.

[@CAN182403]

Thanks for your reply Jeff Good luck for your 100K Subscribers ☺

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

Thanks AM Cdrm we should be there in a few months if all go well.

[@lindamaier3709]

thank you so much for your great videos. I was just left with a mess by a sexist arrogant jerk of a carpenter. I will be completing project with your help. You are a rockstar

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

Sorry to hear about your trouble Linda. You can do it!

[@toddray275]

Great Video Sir! Concrete is not so Scary now. Love the cut from underneath trick!

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

Thanks todd, everything is easier when gravity is your friend. Cheers!

[@Tomas18PK]

This epic video cured my headache! SUPER good and informative!

[@dmcbriar]

I wish I could attach a photo. I followed these instructions for backfilling a 1.5x4 foot hole, and the results were great. Then the next day I tried the same thing for a 5x3 foot hole that was in a corner of a room against a stair, but I was unable to use the 2x4, because I didn't have two ledges to shuffle it across, and it ended up making a mess when trying to use it as the opposite end of the 2x4 from me kept falling into the wet cement because it had nothing to rest on. I didn't have a proper trowel, but only a small spatula which helped make a nice creamy texture on my last project, but the project was much smaller. (I've got a proper cement trowel now.) The cement kept getting more and more watery even though the consistency seemed fine at first, and kept wanting to form pools of water. Pebbles kept rising to the surface, pits started forming, before I knew it the cement was unworkable, and by the end it looked like garbage. It's not drying well, and there's a ton of pebbles sitting on the surface, many not even attached. Any recommendations for salvaging this? Should I dump some self leveling cement over the top? Wait for it to completely cure? Scrape up all the pebbles? Add some portland cement maybe? the surrounding cement is beautiful and I planned on grinding and polishing the whole floor when done, but even with grinding I know there will be a ton of pits. It is just slightly lower than the surrounding cement by about 1/4 in some spots, and even .5 inch in one corner. I stopped adding cement when I realized it was not going to cooperate in hopes that there would be something I could add later.

[@redyumi6441]

Once again you did an outstanding job creating the video!

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

Thanks red Yumi, And thanks Max!

[@marissapost]

Thanks so much! Even if we don't do this ourselves, your video helped me appreciate the work I might hire someone else to do!!!

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

That is a great point Marissa, knowledge is power. Cheers!

[@df4196]

Do I need to use gravel if there was only soil when I dug?

[@dannyfranks4808]

this guy is awesome, great videos.

[@VyacheslavZavadsky]

Your videos, including this one are helpful. Having said so, I believe a concrete bonding primer supposed to be applied on old concrete as new one does not bind to old

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

That is completely optional on a basement floor. I do not need the new and old to bond. All the slab needs to do is support the weight of the flooring, if the floor had huge cracks in it we wouldn't need to repair before flooring either. Our basements are 6' below grade and have weeping tile to remove ground water. However if you needed it to be bonded you are correct about the primer. Thanks for the comment.

[@louis-philippecharland1072]

Hi Jeff! First of all, need to mention that I truly enjoy and learn a lot in all your videos! Question for you! We bought a new construction semi-detached house (2016) in the south shore of Montreal and it’s now time to finish the basement. I already have a 3 piece roughed in washroom in the basement! I would like to have a curbless shower! I wanted to have your advise on how I should proceed! My initial thought was to buy a Schluter -Kerdi Sloped Shower Tray. Then break the concrete same size as my shower baser. Then poor a thin layer of concrete to where I could sit my shower Kerdi shower base, flush with my original concrete floor! My washroom is 40 sq/feet (super small) I will cover the entire floor (even under the shower tile) with Ditra Heat. Is my idea make sense fir the curbless shower or do you think there’s a better option? Thanks for your time and videos Louis-Philippe

[@raymartinez1170]

Great job Jeff, I am going to have to use that mixing tip on my next job.. love your videos I learn a lot form them.... keep them coming...

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

Thanks Ray, just make sure to have an extra pail available in case it bursts!

[@paulv8133]

Dude, you're awesome!

[@gergemall]

You make it easy . Thank you

[@Santos-ek8md]

Awesome work man. I've been studying your vids. Great effort & instruction. Well done!

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

Thank you Santos! Cheers!

[@chickpeallc3289]

Thank you Jeff for all of your wonderful videos! you have taught me so much. i see that the toilet flange is in place when you poured the concrete. is it glued in already? getting ready to pour around toilet and am a litlle scared. any tips would be helpful. i also have seen others pour right to pipe and use an interior flange so as not to have to box out the sewer pipe? you are awesome. Big Fan.

[@marygrabill7127]

We removed sand (to expose the old lines) from our basement bathroom project. Can we use the sand again to back fill or should we use gravel instead? thank you, I am enjoying your videos!

[@JustT725]

Great Video !!!

[@alexm594]

Hi Jeff one question . How high is the toilet flange from the concrete floor ? you mentioned you are using floor leveler, did you compensate for that all ?

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

Hi Alex I set the bottom of the flange flush with the top of the concrete surface. a little leveler and vinyl floor left thew flange 1/4" above the finished floor which is perfect for a wax ring. Cheers!

[@alexm594]

@@HomeRenoVisionDIY great. thank you for your response. keep up the excellent videos

[@jerryv4306]

Your videos are the best out 😎

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

Thanks jerry, we try!

[@donngrimes6179]

Love your videos. I am doing my basement. How do you calculate how many bags of concrete mix is needed?

[@francislaurin6980]

Revamping my bathroom except for the bathtub, found that they didn't backfill and pour concrete over the plumbing hole (~1ft x 2ft). I don't want to remove the tub. Are you aware of a simpler alternative to mixing concrete to seal this hole? In an earlier comment, you seem to suggest that this may not be necessary, but can bugs get into my house from there? I indeed find weird bugs (centipedes) in my basement and wonder if they come from there. Thanks again for all your videos, these are my supreme reference!

[@paigewilson8590]

I’m wondering how thick the new concrete needs to be. Currently doing the same project. Thanks!

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

a minimum of 2 inches and no more than 4. Cheers Paige!

[@blackangel8278]

I love your way mate . like from Syria

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

Thanks, cheers!

[@Tecumseh4-k2z]

You make it look easy Jeff. There is this very old Victorian that is in dire need to be completely guted. It's electrical, plumbing needs to be completely replaced. The real estate agent said that the basement needs to be redone. It had about 2 inches of concrete, but was all cracked up in shambles. Roofing and windows need to be replaced. Outside wooden walls need to be placed and painted. Further, it has no furnice, and no kitchen. Where does one begin? And no insolation. What would you recommend?

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

structural engineer. Cheers! and a vision!

[@johnrambo6265]

great channel

[@thisissimple]

Hey, how long after pouring this did you wait for curing before pouring leveler?

[@naturalhealing9970]

How do you make sure ground water doesn't come up through the seam between knew and old concrete?

[@Nickraynore]

I’m backfilling on a bathroom rough plumbing shower and and toilet with red dirt should I put gravel in first the concrete and what’s best concrete to use a quick reply would be appreciated as I’m a contractor and specialize in plumbing and electrical but don’t use concrete very much thank you and great cideo

[@Mrmic301]

Great videos, whats the best way to learn how to do it all? Thank you!

[@miriamvivo4279]

Thank you for your time and effort teach

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

Our pleasure , we hope this helps

[@timothywargo3530]

Would you do it the same way if your working with copper pike. I have the pipes wrapped in plastic and will come up 1.5 inches through the slab. I put pebbles rocks under the pipes and over the pipe. Going to use regular con creat. Will be under the cabinets.

[@austinbertrand4492]

When you remove the 2x4’s around the drain pipe do you leave the hole in the concrete slab and place your vapour barrier and vinyl flooring overtop of the hole? Doing a DIY basement kitchen Reno and the plumber had me leave a significant size hole in the slab around the drain pipe for the kitchen sink. Getting ready to install my floor and the cupboard will sit on top of the laminate flooring and not sure what to do with the hole around the drain pipe. Thanks!

[@prevailny]

this is a great channel , helps me out a lot

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

Glad to help Heirnick!

[@KristinaKemp]

Is this the same process to install a new bathroom on a concrete slab? In FL we don’t have basements. I’d like to add a half bath into our large space underneath the stairs on the main floor. This seems like a very invasive project on the home! Also would you recommend a licensed plumber for the job or is it something I could do or have a handyman do? I’ve spoke with a handyman and he says he’d use a jackhammer as far as getting into the slab. Seems very invasive! I’m freaked out I don’t want the foundation to crack! What do you think? Sorry for all the questions! This is all new to me. Thanks!

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

Hi Kristina, It may be very similar but I believe you will have rebar in the floor there. so you will need a cutting tool for that.

[@josephnoneofyourbeeswax8517]

Great videos. What if I don't know where to break the basement concrete floor for the plumber? It is a 100 year old home and there are no plans. Is there a way to find the lines better than pounding through the concrete until you find them?

[@Roscopicotrane]

Great video really help me out

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

Great to hear Ross! Cheers!

[@AnthPerri]

I've just found this channel and I love it. Great advice, concise instruction, I'm happy to find this as I finish my basement. Question! I don't have a ton of space downstairs and opted NOT to put a bathroom down there. The builder had already roughed it in so I've got to remove the drain pipe sticking out of the floor before I put my flooring in. Any advice? Or perhaps a video? Thank you!

[@mikegilmore8998]

Just did this in my own basement. The plumbers chipped away at the concrete surrounding the drains and then cut them about 1/2 to 1 inch below the surface of the concrete and then capped the drain.

[@boblee4185]

Do you pack the gravel back down before and/or after you splash the water down to provide for a strong stable platform for the concrete? What volume of cement does each bag produce? Thanks!

[@aquafocus6829]

your amazing

[@BigPappaLos]

Love the enthusiasm dude... great video!

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

Cheers Carlos!

[@nancygagnon6435]

QUESTION?? Hi, I'm installing a backflow valve and was wondering how close can I put the joint leading to my toilet? Is there a distance to respect before and after the backflow valve?

[@shawnlion4778]

Good work guys

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

Thank you Shawn!

[@mikegilmore8998]

Hey Jeff, my original slab was about 4-5 inches in thickness. It was poured on a dirt/gravel mix, and was cut cleanly by the plumbers with a saw. I plan on drilling/adding rebar but my ultimate question is: does the patch need to be as thick as the original? They will be bathroom floors covered in tile.

[@jwd215]

Hello I'm a licensed contractor, I'd recommend 3-4 inches of concrete

[@nickthekidxxx2163]

Great video wish I could hire you for my nightmare basement project

[@billymasoner3735]

I know this video is a bit older but I have a general question. I have septic where I live, and the builders in their infinite wisdom ran the main house line directly down the middle of my basement, and left the line smack in the middle of what should be an uninterrupted 12x15 ft bath/laundry area. Can I break the floor out and angle that line so it’s closer to an exterior wall so I can move the plumbing and have the space open?

[@janpuetthoff2772]

How long do you wait before applying a self leveling compound to the concrete you just pored over the plumbing? I am just about ready to backfill my plumbing.

[@jean-pierrevallieres1569]

Thanks for the video and sharing your experience with us! How do you manage the height for the toilet drain? Thanks

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

The drain was installed to sit on top of the cement after the pour. When installing it is best to know what type of flooring you are installing and then you can figure it out backwards. You want the flange to be just a little higher than the finished floor.

[@joshuakim919]

I’ve heard that you need to tap/pack the gravel in before pouring concrete. Is this not the case? If so, why is it not needed here? Thanks! Love the videos!!

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

when using clear stone pouring in the bucket of water does all the settling it will need. cheers!

[@penlam]

Greetings from Niagara. Great video. Thanks. So, I have a square hole in a concrete floor that used to contain a piece of equipment at my shop. It's about 7" deep x 48" x 50" and the bottom and sides are concrete. Do I need to add rebar or any other re-enforcement for a hole this size and should I somehow tie into the existing floor?

[@LubaLuba1]

But how can add a new shower drain to existing toilet drain on concrete slab ?? The cast iron pipe for the toilet come up from below so I need to cut before toilet flange but do I need to make a large hole / diameter??Thank you!

[@nahumhernandez6457]

Quick question , where are natural gas pipes usually located, was trying to move a toilet pipe from one side of the batroom to other side ! Thankyou Renovision . Very helpfull!

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

Usually they are buried to 4' approaching the house and then come out of the ground to a meter and then enter above the foundation and travel through the basement ceiling. You should be safe to open the floor, however I am not an expert on every regions building practice so I would advise you call the local building office if you want to make sure.

[@nahumhernandez6457]

Home RenoVision DIY Thank you , For the advice .

[@castielle1455]

My basement concrete floor is very wavy/ unleveled (difference in the 1-2 inches) and broken in some areas. I was thinking of breaking the high and broken areas and then laying new concrete and then a leveling compound. Do you think that is a good idea?

[@jerseyteacir]

Jeff, I am about to do the same in the basement, my case I would need to install a basin. Two questions, any issue if the area is not back filled right away? I'm worried with the weeping tile that I may get alot of water in the hole. Second, basin will be close to the outside wall, how far are the rebars from the wall? Thank you

[@invincibleka4687]

my kitchen drain replacement below ground level. What do i need to backfill? do you have the link to buy the product thanks!

[@bluekeet]

wow this is some very entertaining stuff to watch. Next time please record the work of the small contractors like the plumber doing his work on the pipes. Maybe take quick pictures so you won't disturb the contractors too much while they work. Then maybe make a quick lil slide of the pictures detailing the work and pop it in your video.

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

We will see, not everyone likes to be on camera. Looking for trades who would be willing to cooperate. Cheers!

[@kennyb9058]

When plumbing the basement for a shower, sink & toilet, does the vent stack (sewer gases) have to be either tied into the existing stack up through the roof or can a new stack be installed? How high does the new stack have to be? Above the roof?

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

easier to tie into existing.

[@kennyb9058]

THX. Love the videos @@HomeRenoVisionDIY

[@isratzabin8682]

How long did you wait to install tiles over that floor?

[@starsimpletin]

Awesome, just what I was looking for.

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

Glad to help Star! Cheers!

[@ortizdisease]

Great videos! Question: is it necessary to drill holes in the slab to put rebar sticking out every 16" for a repair like this to keep the slab from moving, or is the jagged edge of the slab enough "teeth" to keep it moving? Also, what do you wrap the portions of the ABS drain and vent pipes when they stick out through the new slab?

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

our basements don;t use rebar since the floor is not structural. If your floor is structural then adding a couple is good practice.

[@ortizdisease]

@@HomeRenoVisionDIY Thank you for the reply. Non-structural here, so I suppose no rebar needed. What do you recommend I use to wrap the portions of the ABS drain and vent piping that come in contact with the cement slab?

[@ChadAmI80]

What kind of gravel is that? If it went to ask for it to buy, what kind would I ask for? I am in Pittsburgh, PA.

[@andrewkelly9745]

I've been waiting for a video like this! Thank you!

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

Our [pleasure Andrew. We will be showing the next steps in leveling and wall construction as well.

[@derito5616]

Great video!!

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

Cheers!

[@utopianpropertiesllc8771]

Thanks for the vid.

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

Our pleasure!

[@phimsuoy]

Good job my friend

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

Thank You!