What mix for drain surround?

[amfisted]

Hi All

Having nothing else in particular to do today, I just happened to lift the lid of the inspection chamber for my foul water drains and discovered that the mortar surround in which the half round ceramic drainage channel is bedded is beginning to erode, in the spot where the deluge hits it when the toilet is flushed. The mortar feels quite soft and crumbles easily when a fingernail is applied (yes, I washed my hands afterwards).

I'm thinking that to save a bigger job in the future, I should very carefully chip the soft section out and replace it with new mortar. Question is, what mix should I use?

 

[muggles]

5:1

 

[polesapart]

I'd add some Jetcem to that.

 

[amfisted]

Thank you; 5 to 1 it is then.

Jetcem being a rapid setting agent, I assume?

Edit: just looked it up. Rapid setting cement, which makes sense given the reluctance in this house to avoid using the toilet for more than about 20 minutes.

 

[ree]

Use Rapid Setting Mortar - it comes in pre-mixed handy size bags. Mix it semi-dry, and smooth it for benching with a float or a block of wood.

FWIW: the usual mix for details like benching is 3:1.

 

[amfisted]

Thank you. I have some rapid setting cement left over from a job I did early this year, so I'll tackle the job next week.