A customer has a brick flower box 3x3' that does not drain water (no weep holes) Do I drill them through the mortar joint or brick? Do I need to insert PVC pipe to line the weep holes to prevent freeze damage? TIA
Scot
You will need a tungsten carbide bit. It is easier to go through the mortar, as it is likely softer. I see no need for a piece of tubing myself. The key is the drain holes... make enough of them!
yeah add garden hose to confirm it drains.the more holes the better, in mortar is fine although a couple thru the block is a good addition too, so the blocks cant fill with water and freeze, if your in a area that gets cold.
are you certain the bottom isnt open somehow?
Always drill thorugh the mortar, not the brick: mortar can repaired easily, while a destroyed brick would need to be replaced entirely.
The PVC won't help so don't waste your time with it. Old time weep holes would be made with a simple length of cotton rope laid in the bottom of a mortar joint to wick out moisture: the cotton would eventually rot away but that wouldn't matter. Today, masons frequently leave one butt-joint completely free of mortar and put in a metal vent to keep out insects while allowing out water.
John
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