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

Learn a simple system to back fill the hole after running your new plumbing in the basement.
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[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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!

[@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

[@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.

[@raylarson1712]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@Roscopicotrane]

Great video really help me out

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

Great to hear Ross! Cheers!

[@augustreil]

Nice job !

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

Thanks August!

[@paulv8133]

Dude, you're awesome!

[@shawnlion4778]

Good work guys

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

Thank you Shawn!

[@JustT725]

Great Video !!!

[@churchmythbusters1863]

Just wondering. Why not make the fill-in slab a lot thinner? It just needs to cover the hole, and in case you ever need to get at those pipes again.

[@johnrambo6265]

great channel

[@jagsingh507]

Great videos. Right to the specs.

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

Glad you like it. Cheers!

[@jagsingh507]

I enjoy your reno videos. I am planning dmx and 5/16 osb in basement. Should I frame perimeter of basement before I lay that or lay the perimiter framing after laying sub floor.

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

If at all possible frame on top of the new subfloor. Cheers!

[@CGphotoOp]

Thank you so much for this vid. I too have concrete and need to do this. My question is how to set the height of the shower drain. I keep seeing in vids where they set it on wood subfloor that it has to be about 3/8” above the subfloor.

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

Watch the shower pan install video. it will explain it. when pouring concrete you want to leave room for the drain assembly to drop beneath the concrete.

[@thehirtle]

Keep up the great work

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

Thank you , and thanks for commenting. Cheers!

[@hungqtran7960]

Great tip. Please do tell what size is the box? Thanks.

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

8x 8"

[@madchild2389]

I do this all the time as a plumber we just float the concrete after it starts to set a bit instead of using a leveling compound but we still do use the ol 2x4 method lol

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

Gotta love the 2x4. Hard to believe that people actually pay for this type of service when it is so easy.

[@madchild2389]

Home RenoVision DIY yeah definitely its suprising how easy some of the stuff is with a little code knowledge

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

There are a lot of people willing to pay big money for labour tasks.

[@madchild2389]

Home RenoVision DIY yeah its crazy how much money you can save by just diggin a hole and filling it back in aha

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

That is most of the job.

[@Scorpiomaj27889]

Thanks for the video, is using concrete without a leveler on top an option for vinyl flooring? Also, what specific type of concrete are you using?

[@hardkore360]

thumbs up, great tip!

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

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?

[@ortizdisease]

One more question - I now have all that I need, pails, egg beater, check! My job is approx 40 square feet, so I will need 23 bags of Sakrete. Is there any concern with doing that much concrete by myself (23 bucket loads) in creating cold joints or other issues?

[@Ahats5]

Should've watched this video right when you put it out and I was doing my basement bathroom.... Oh well, I'm ready for the next one now!

[@wfdrum]

Hey Jeff can I use the same small "gravel size" pieces of busted concrete floor as backfill ? Thank you

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

no worries, just remove the big stuff. Cheers!

[@wfdrum]

@@HomeRenoVisionDIY thank you

[@dmaninthewall]

If you use a Square piece of plastic sheeting that is 12 mil thick you could mix concrete faster and better and easier without a bucket Or drills

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

Can't wait to see your video on this method. Cheers!

[@johnnguyen4132]

Where is the second part of this video install ?

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

just use the search tool on the home page and you can find anything you need.

[@oscartorres3769]

I have a question I want to change my gas water heater for electric water heater and I want to know the process can you please help me with this

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

Hi Oscar, first you need to hire a gas guy to remove the existing fixture. Then you should be fine to install the new electric one with a proper breaker to the electrical panel. Cheers!

[@evanolson8819]

Why would you remove gas for electric when gas is leaps and bounds more efficient?

[@natewoi4119]

Your personality tells me you need to work with a helper not a persona that convinced you know what there doing . Im your guy

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

Sorry Nate, not hiring at the moment.

[@not4u89]

Whoever installed the bathroom in my basement didn't refill the hole created in the concrete floor to fit the new plumbing. Is it possible to back-fill the hole without removing the tub?

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

If the hole is under the tub then there is no need to fill it in. However if you really want to just make it super wet and use a funnel and a 3 inch pipe to direct it.

[@not4u89]

My fear is water getting in from under the house when the ground is saturated from rain. Thanks for the suggestion.

[@benben341]

I got the same problem, water condensates out of the hole left for the plumbing. So im trying to fix this issue. The plumber cut through the sub floor vapour barrier.

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

If you don't have a weeping tile system or it is compromised then yhou will need a sump pump. If you have water coming into the house through the concrete floor then you have a serious problem that must be addressed before building anything in the basement. Water pressure can build and push right through the floor causing it to crack and buckle.

[@live4545]

so no rebar for the mud ?

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

Not needed. It is laying on stone and not structural. The entire floor of every basement has no rebar in it.

[@cdf69]

Thanks for this question Lively Projects! And answer Home RenoVision DIY! I have a big hole about 3ft around amd 2ft deep to fill in my basement here real soon! Had to have a temporary pipe fixed 6 months ago waiting for a new sewer line to be put in. Its a long story how this happened! Lol My dad had mention somethin about using rebar to keep it from moving and stayin with the rest of the floor. So sounds like i dont need to do all that!

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

Hello Christopher Fornshil, concrete in the basement is not a structural element neither will it be affected by the frost in the winter. The end result is there is no stress on that concrete except you walking on it. As long as you pack your substrate with a tamper or a pail of water on the gravel to help it settle you will be fine. Cheers!

[@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.

[@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

[@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!

[@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.!!!!

[@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.

[@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!

[@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?

[@alexbeis1861]

I love your videos but I feel like you dont take health and safety very seriously.... mixing concrete without a mask in the basement is insane lol...

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

safety Second!

[@naturalhealing9970]

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

[@siddraj7868]

you really should wear a mask for diy, you cant smeel it but hte fibres can still go in your lungs. you'll thank me when you're 65

[@ryanh3285]

Watching people work with concrete and no glasses makes my cringe.Because I learnt the hard way.Great video 👍

[@mrsexyface]

and a mask. That stuff is cut with coal ash.

[@joewong6662]

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

[@roweboat]

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

[@df4196]

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

[@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.

[@joewong6662]

It’s a couple years later, do you have lung cancer ?

[@toppod01]

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

[@timfalardeau9753]

Liters... LOL We in the US are still using the old system 1 liter = 2.75 florbies 1 florbie = 13.7834 Nuterbins 6.45 (repeating) = 1 Imperial Gallon Because Merkuh! HAHAHAHAHAHAH

[@1joshjosh1]

Okay being from Canada I'm not sure if you're joking or not but if you're not that's interesting

[@mattt198654321]

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

[@zacharymeyer3635]

Where's the video on the shower installation? I found the video of you using the leveling compound, but the drywall and shower were already up!

[@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

[@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!

[@SimplyJapaneseMaples]

Ya, like the tip about opening the bag above a bucket. But horrified to see (especially since the purpose of the video is education) the blatant lack of a respirator used or at a bare minimum, a dust mask. And then opening the bag and the helper is right there standing above. Come on! I worked for ten years in the trades and workers disregard their safety far too much. And like a previous commenter stated, " 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!"

[@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?

[@THEREALDATALORD]

"wear a mask if you feel it necessary..." *looks guilty at the camera*

[@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.

[@sandeepplumbersandeep3943]

Hello sir sandeep plumber joB SARCH plumber joB

[@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

[@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!

[@deborahbrancheau1373]

I noticed that you didn't use a bonding agent on the edges of the old concrete. Is that not necessary in most circumstances?

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

not on a basement floor. it is not structural and it does not need to be water tight. Cheers!

[@johnanderson3746]

I have a concrete slab walk that's leaking little holes here and there . I fix w hydraulic cement best I can and it doesn't leak but then couple months later or so another leak in different spot on walk further down . I have a porch above wall so I can't dig up outside to try to fix from outside any suggestions ?? I don't have much money in bank . I'm afraid the wall is gonna cave in one day from back pressure behind wall from possible high water table I've been told esp when it freezes which is what I think causes these leaks . can I jack hammer wall in sections out and refill with concrete or hydraulic concrete .. can I dig under porch to fix walk or will I lose support for the porch .. really don't know what to do. I have sump pump in basement by wall don't know why water behind wall doesn't go to it .

[@anthonygasbarro5241]

I can’t tell you enough how much I enjoy watching your videos. You and I have exactly the same work ethics. It’s like watching myself ( only I’m better looking) lol jk

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

Most likely, I am not going to win any beauty pageants any time soon. Cheers!

[@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?

[@healingwell1743]

will it be safe to use a jackhammer to put in a perimeter waterproof barrier in a basement of a wooden house built in 1836? There are two basement rooms and a center staircase. One of the rooms is a finished room, the other has 3/4 of a concrete floor (was dirt) and houses the utilities. The exterior walls are granite blocks and the house is set into a hill. The front of the house is ground level and on the street. The house backs into a hill. Water is coming into the finished basement room. Behind that wall is an old granite block wall and the ground level outside it near the top of the wall. Because it is a finished wall, I do not know where the water is coming in. A full perimeter system has been recommended for my house. But with its age, I do not know if it safe to jackhammer.

[@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?

[@jamisonpitsch8185]

Why didn't you add Vapor barrier to the floor before pouring it back?

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

if there was one previously I would have. This floor was poured many years before that was part of the building process. Cheers!

[@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

[@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?

[@Vizkos]

6:49 - "now, traditionally bathroom basement floors are going to be curved all over the place". Damn right, finding this out for myself, but my entire basement... House built in the early 90s and when putting in shelves, I have found its curved in all sorts of patterns under the current carpet.

[@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!

[@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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@dannyfranks4808]

this guy is awesome, great videos.

[@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

[@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!

[@invincibleka4687]

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

[@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?

[@richardvg03]

The only thing I’m concerned about is that all of my drain pipes are in concrete and NOT in gravel... 🤷‍♂️ are all homes made with this gravel access?

[@splf]

I'm planning on patching about 200 sq ft of my basement concrete slab against a corner of the basement. The old slab was too thin and has crumbled badly. Unfortunately, this section includes the backwater access valve and corresponding clean-out, all of which is in a roughly 3 in "dip" in the basement. My guess is the contractor that installed the sump pump and backwater valve wanted to do a cheap job and didn't bother pouring a proper 4" slab. My plan is to even out this section and pour a new slab that would partially overlap onto the "good" section of the old slab. My first question is: can I use a square wood form like the one you used around the pipe in this video to surround the access lid to the backwater valve? The lid is a rectangular shape, so I don't see why not. A second question is: can I use a piece of PVC pipe of slightly larger diameter to surround the clean-out pipe of the backwater valve?

[@bookooc5605]

it would have been nice to see what it looked like after you put the last bit of concrete on. Watching you looking down at something the camera doesn't show it not helpful.

[@CookieMcWoo]

Howdy. I have a 6’ by 12’ shed that was built onto my garage with a dirt floor. Groundhogs keep getting in and digging holes in it, so I’m thinking about laying concrete but am a little overwhelmed. Any suggestions or tips?

[@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

[@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?

[@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?

[@mulletmatthew4224]

Hello, I am back filling a shower drain system I had installed in my basement. The basement flooring slopes down and to the right. I keep getting conflicting advice such as " you cant put self leveling compound over quikrete" and " you cant put quikrete over existing concrete to make it level." I have an odie drain installed 1/8 inch over the high point of the flooring. im trying to figure out how to back fill and level the floor with the high point while still being able to put a modified thin set on top in order to install a KBRS tile ready shower pan. any advice would help. Thanks!

[@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.

[@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!

[@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!

[@thisissimple]

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

[@LMojoe]

Jeff! Just finished pouring my concrete mix into the thrench. There's a good amount of "bleed water" on top of the slab. What is too much and how do I fix it? Help! Thx

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.