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Step-by-step solution

Waterproof (watertight) concrete

For basements, water tanks, pools and sewage works, make the concrete itself resist water with a low water–cement ratio, an integral waterproofing admixture and sealed construction joints. This is for new pours; it cannot fix a structure that already leaks.

  • 7 steps
  • 10 products
  • 5 answers
Basement wall and base slab of waterproofed concrete holding back ground water, with a waterstop in the wall-slab joint

Get this solution priced Proposal brief ↓

You need this when…

  • New basement or underground tank being designed
  • High water table or monsoon groundwater on site
  • Specification calls for watertight or crystalline concrete
  • Earlier projects leaked at construction joints

The work, step by step

General guidance based on the manufacturer data sheets. Site conditions differ: confirm the system with MCT before you start. Where we do not name a product, ask us and we will confirm the right one.

  1. Step 1: Design for low permeability

    Keep the water–cement ratio below 0.5 and use a superplasticiser from the Sikament RB or ViscoCrete range to reach it (SikaControl-760 p.2). Sika ViscoCrete-3288 PK is noted for watertight concrete in dams and hydraulic structures (p.1); ViscoCrete-58 HT-PK for impermeable, dense concrete (p.1).

    Sika ViscoCrete-58 HT-PK Sika Request a quotation

    Sika® ViscoCrete®-58 HT-PK is mainly used for the following applications: For all Piling application including C.F.A, Concrete Containing GGBS, Micro Silica, Fly ash, Etc, Concrete in hot & windy weather with extended transportation and workability requirements, Production of Ready Mixed Concrete… (TDS p.1)

    Pack
    05 ltr jerry can
  2. Step 2: Add an integral waterproofing admixture

    SikaControl-760 is a crystalline admixture: 1000 g per 100 kg of cement, or 5 kg per m³ for ready-mix, added with the cement and not into the gauging water (p.2). Liquid options: Sika Plastocrete N PK at 0.5 % of cementitious material (p.2), SikaControl-777 at 100–200 ml per 50 kg bag (p.2) or SikaPaver-707 at 200–400 ml per 100 kg (p.2).

    Sika Plastocrete N PK Sika Request a quotation

    Sika® Plastocrete® N PK is recommended for use in waterproofing of masonry and concrete structures such as: Reservoirs and dams , Sewerage works , Canals , Culverts, tunnels , Water tanks, swimming pools and wherever waterproof concrete is required . (TDS p.1)

    Pack
    05 ltr jerry can
    SikaControl-777 Sika Request a quotation

    SikaControl®-777 can be used in all types of concrete and mortar that is used in all types of residential, commercial and infrastructural construction. (TDS p.1)

    Pack
    SikaControl®-777 is available in 5 litre & 220 kg.
    SikaPaver-707 Sika Request a quotation

    SikaPaver®-707 should be used in all structural concrete that is constantly or intermittently in contact with water such as sea walls, tunnels, basements, structural and pre-cast concrete in exposed superstructures. (TDS p.1)

    Pack
    05 ltr jerry can 20 ltr plastic can 200 ltr drum 1000 ltr IBC Bulk supply in tanker is…
  3. Step 3: Seal construction joints and pipe penetrations

    Place a swelling sealant or profile in the centre of the joint. SikaSwell S-2 needs at least 8 cm cover on both sides in reinforced concrete (p.2); SikaSwell P Profiles need 10 cm (p.4). Neither is for movement joints (SikaSwell S-2 p.2; SikaSwell P Profiles p.3).

  4. Step 4: Protect the steel in aggressive ground

    Where chlorides or aggressive water are present, Sika FerroGard CI 222 slows chloride and moisture ingress and protects the reinforcement (p.1); dose 5 L/m³ (p.2).

    Product for this stepAsk us

    The right product here depends on your site. We confirm it before naming it.

  5. Step 5: Place and compact well

    Place the concrete quickly and compact it well (SikaControl-760 p.2). Agree joint positions with the engineer and avoid unplanned cold joints.

  6. Step 6: Cure completely

    Ensure complete curing with a curing compound (SikaControl-760 p.2).

    Product for this stepAsk us

    The right product here depends on your site. We confirm it before naming it.

  7. Step 7: Waterproof plaster, screeds and mortars

    For renders, screeds and masonry mortar, add Sika-1 PK at 1 part to 10 parts water, about 3 % of the cement content (p.2), or use Sikalite-101 PK powder in cement–sand mortars (p.1).

    Sika-1 PK Sika Request a quotation

    Sika®-1 PK is used for waterproofing of mortars and concrete, in particular for: Renders, masonry mortars and screeds, Reinforced and unreinforced concrete, Brick, concrete and stone substrates, Indoor and outdoor applications, such as basements, swimming pools, tunnels, water tanks, manholes, cu… (TDS p.1)

    Pack
    05 ltr jerry can 20 ltr plastic can 200 ltr drum 1000 ltr IBC Bulk supply in tanker is…
Proposal brief

Waterproof (watertight) concrete: scope and system

A starting point for a site proposal. Quantities, prices and the final specification follow a site visit or photos.

Scope of work

  1. Review of mix design for watertightness (w/c ratio, superplasticiser)
  2. Supply of integral waterproofing admixture
  3. Supply and installation guidance for joint and penetration seals
  4. Corrosion-inhibiting admixture where exposure requires
  5. Curing compound supply

System build-up

StepProductPackSource
1. Design for low permeabilitySika ViscoCrete-3288 PK05 ltr jerry canTDS p.1 · June 2025, Version 02.01
1. Design for low permeabilitySika ViscoCrete-58 HT-PK05 ltr jerry canTDS p.1 · July 2026, Version 03.01
2. Add an integral waterproofing admixtureSikaControl-760SikaControl®-760 is available in 5 Kg & 25 kg pack.TDS p.1 · March 2025, Version 04.01
2. Add an integral waterproofing admixtureSika Plastocrete N PK05 ltr jerry canTDS p.1 · February 2026, Version 01.01
2. Add an integral waterproofing admixtureSikaControl-777SikaControl®-777 is available in 5 litre & 220 kg.TDS p.1 · March 2025, Version 04.01
2. Add an integral waterproofing admixtureSikaPaver-70705 ltr jerry can 20 ltr plastic can 200 ltr drum 1000 ltr IBC Bulk supply in tanker is…TDS p.1 · August 2026, Version 03.02
3. Seal construction joints and pipe penetrationsSikaSwell S-2600 ml unipacsTDS p.1 · May 2021, Version 02.01
3. Seal construction joints and pipe penetrationsSikaSwell P Profiles—TDS p.1 · May 2021, Version 01.01
7. Waterproof plaster, screeds and mortarsSika-1 PK05 ltr jerry can 20 ltr plastic can 200 ltr drum 1000 ltr IBC Bulk supply in tanker is…TDS p.1 · August 2026, Version 02.02
7. Waterproof plaster, screeds and mortarsSikalite-101 PK—TDS p.1 · October 2023, Version 01.02

What we need from you

  • Structure type: basement, tank, pool, sewage or water treatment
  • Groundwater level and any soil or water test results
  • Drawings showing construction joints and pipe penetrations
  • Concrete volume and supplier
  • Wall and slab thicknesses

Site conditions

  • Water–cement ratio below 0.5 (SikaControl-760 p.2)
  • Joint seals placed with the required cover (SikaSwell S-2 p.2)
  • Complete curing (SikaControl-760 p.2)

Not included

  • External membranes and tanking (quoted separately if needed)
  • Dewatering
  • Structural design

Questions customers ask

Can I add SikaControl-760 to fix my leaking basement?

No. It is an admixture for new concrete and mortar (SikaControl-760 p.1). Existing leaks need crack injection or a surface waterproofing system; see our basement and crack guides.

How much SikaControl-760 per cubic metre?

For ready-mix, 5 kg per m³ is recommended; site mixes use 1000 g per 100 kg of cement (SikaControl-760 p.2).

Does a waterproofing admixture reduce strength?

SikaControl-760 states it does not reduce compressive strength (p.1). Plastocrete N PK lists increased strength and durability (p.1), but overdosing with extra water increases air and delays setting (p.2).

Do I still need joint seals?

Yes. Construction joints and penetrations are the usual leak paths; SikaSwell S-2 is made to seal construction joints and penetrations in concrete (p.1).

Is concrete with FerroGard CI 222 suitable for water contact?

Its TDS states that concrete containing it meets BS 6920 for contact with water (Sika FerroGard CI 222 p.1).

Steps and product facts are taken from the manufacturer data sheets (page cited). Products are named only where the data sheet confirms the use; quantities follow a site visit or photos. General guidance: check the data sheet or ask us before you start.