DIY Network

Musty Mystery From "Finders Fixers" episode DFFX-109

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If replacing the weep screed is not an option, the solution is to create a new drain for the water to pass through. If installing a new drain is not possible, another option is to create what’s known as a French, or gravel, drain.

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Figure A

Creating a Gravel Drain

Materials:

knife
horsewhips or other decorative plant material
pea gravel
Deck-O-Seal®

1. Dig a trench, directing it away from the area of problem drainage, and fill with gravel; the trench will direct moisture into a more desirable location (figure A).

2. Add decorative, low-maintenance plants such as horsewhips (figure B). Cut through the plant root with a knife, separating the foliage into small sections. Plant the sections and cover the soil around the plants with pea gravel (figure C) for a finished look (figure D).

Figure B

Figure C

Figure D

Figure E

3. One last step to ensure water doesn’t get into the pool deck is to recaulk the gap between the brick coping and the lining. Apply a bead of polyurethane Deck-O-Seal over the gap, pushing it into the gap until the surface is level with the old caulking (figure E).

Adding a Grounding Rod to the Pool Pump

Materials:

1/2" copper rod (8' long)
tree stake driver
sledgehammer

1. Find an area to place the rod where it won't come into contact with underground plumbing or utility company wiring.

2. Use a tree stake driver to drive the rod into the ground (figure F). When you’ve gone as far as you can go with the driver, use a sledgehammer to drive the rod into the ground until only a small section is left exposed (figure G).

3. With the rod in place, attach the bond wire to the grounding electrode (figure H). Now, if any current leaks from the motor, it will go straight into the earth.

Figure F

Figure G

Figure H

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