Repointing mortar at DPM and below

[hyposmurf69]

Hi I have 1980's property that has just gravel pit running down the side wall for drainage of blockwork pathway.The bricks at DPM level and below theres a build up of what I think is effervescence thats built up over the years.some of the mortar is also covered in this and I was looking to clean the bricks and rake out the mortar and repoint it where DPM is and below DPM.Some of the mortar is a bit softer than normal and also the crud that has built up is at the edge of the DPM so creates a bridge in places.Im going to replace the gravel pit with ACO drains,but wanted to get the bricks and and mortar in good shape before doing that.

Is this worth doing or just leave as is?
Id need to rake where the DPM is by hand, what tool is best?

How is best to clean bricks up?Muriatic acid or pressure washer?Both i guess could damage bricks.

I dont believe I have lime mortar, but do u need to add some lime to the mix which is 3:1 for bricks below the DPM?I had heard this helps release moisture below the DPM level.

 

[^woody^]

Leave it. Post back in 20 years when it might need doing.

 

[hyposmurf69]

Leave it. Post back in 20 years when it might need doing.

Thanks why would you leave it?Is the crud that is sitting over the edge of the DPM not likely to cause bridging? Also is it not worth re-doing the mortar below the DPC level that's a bit softer before i put a ACO channel in front if it?