Removing bricks from an external wall

[Michael Cosgrove]

Please find image 1 below of a vertical soil pipe (aka stack), a rainwater downpipe, 2 boss connectors and their connecting waste pipes. Please also find on this image arrows pointing to the bricks would like to remove.

The issue is that boss connector 1's connection to the stack is leaking and as you may be able to appreciate access to this fitting is limited.

It was quite easy to remove a section of the rainwater pipe to gain better access to that side of the boss connector and apply a polymer sealant (OB1) - see 2nd detail image of waste pipe to boss connector 1 . The problem is gaining access to the other side of the boss connector. The plan being to remove 2 or more external bricks to get better access.

The following is the technique I intend to use to do this. Source: https://www.thespruce.com/remove-a-brick-by-hand-1821083

Drill a series of holes in mortar about its width – you should know when have broken through the mortar
Strike along mortar with a chisel to crack the joints
Remove brick
Remove remaining mortar

The question is does this seem OK to you? Do you have any tips or concerns?

Note can't or risky to simply cut out boss connector 1 and replace. Might be possible I realise with a specialist rubber connector connecting to socket of fitting for WC but risky and I am not sure I have easy access to inside side of waste pipe connecting to this boss connector - will at least have to take out WC and break into section of tiled floor!

 

[cdbe]

Good luck! You'd be better off trying to find someone with small hands to smear that stuff round the back or removing the stack and renewing as necessary.

 

[conny]

Try spreading the sealant around the back with a flexible silicone spatula women use for cooking.
I'd try various methods before contemplating removing a couple of bricks. For one, chain drilling the mortar will only get you so far along the mortar bed. Two, you will still have to try and twist it out between the pipework to allow access. Three you will then need to try to get the bricks back into place whilst sitting them on a bed of mortar without disturbing the mortar. Four, you will probably not get a perfect match colour wise on the mortar.

 

[Wayners]

I'd rather cut that big black pipe off and fit all new from that point up vs removing bricks.
Get it all new and properly fitted so you can forget about it.
Smear Ob1 may work for a while but for a easy day labour replace plastic pipes and be done with it

 

[Michael Cosgrove]

Thanks Folks.

Eventually after some 6 attempts managed to seal the leak without taking out a brick. Used Bostiks OB1 Adhesive and sealant. See image attached. A few points of note:

- managed to seal behind by covering hands in Fairy liquid and smearing a great blob around back.
- removed the boss connectors bracket which seemed to obstructing a seal apparent on the exposed side.
- allowed over 2 days OB1 to go off before testing. Data sheet suggested 48 hrs for beads greater than 6mm.
- noticed amidst all this that OB1 has a shelf life of only 18 months, the tube I used was 2 years past its production date!