Waterproofing a mechanics pit?

[Conrad]

A friend of mine has a mechanics pit in his garage, he's always doing some sort of project on his cars so it comes in very handy.

 

Trouble is when it rains like it has lately it fills in with water, it has just a single skin a brickwork to keep the water out.

 

Any ideas on how to waterproof it? I'm guessing either waterproof render or some kind of drainage/soakaway. I doubt just waterproof paint will work...

[Vicky]

My neighbours pit does this as well, they are forever having to pump water out

[Rob]

You can apply 3 coats liquid tanking, by RIW, which I believe is black, then overpaint it white for visibility. That would seal it up from water ingress from the surrounding earth through the bricks, however any water thats in there, will stay in there, so pumping as Vicky says is the only way to drain it.

 

Never pump in your inspection pit, it lingers for ages.

 

But if its covered by a garage, I presume no more water would get in once sealed, unless there are spillages and leaks from the car above.

 

There are also companies that make pre-formed liners, presumably to measure. That'd be more expensive though.

[Carl]

I would imagine a good fibre glasser could do a nice job too. If you can do ponds & flat roofs, Im sure a car pit should not be too difficult.

Carl

[Ewen]

I would imagine a good fibre glasser could do a nice job too. If you can do ponds & flat roofs, Im sure a car pit should not be too difficult.

Carl

 

mental image of said GRP liner complete with mechanic and tools just floating up out of the pit the next time it rains hard.

I reckon the waterproof barrier should be on the other side of the bricks lining the pit myself.

[Rob]

mental image of said GRP liner complete with mechanic and tools just floating up out of the pit the next time it rains hard.

I reckon the waterproof barrier should be on the other side of the bricks lining the pit myself.

 

Ideally yes, but difficult to achieve now.