Removing old sealant off a concrete pond without damaging the tile. No fish in this pond

[texmaster]

Hi Folks,

So I've got an indoor pond that leaks like a siv. The warden does not want to spend the cash to really tear it apart, pick new tile and start over but I have to remove the years and years of failed clear sealant I've applied in desperation to kill the leaks off but I have no idea what kind of solution will remove them. Is it muriatic acid? Bleach? I'll buy whatever it takes but to really give it one more go with a new sealant I need to try to remove the old first before applying any new.

And of course I need a solution that wont damage the tile.

Thanks!

 

[zeuspaul]

Do you know what the sealant is? Try a few things you may have around the house first. Alcohol or vinegar? Nail polish remover which is probably acetone. Try a small amount and see if you can soften it.

 

[addy1]

I use goof off for a lot of stuff like that, so has worked for everything I wanted to remove.

 

[Lisak1]

I'm just glad to hear you're doing what you're told - haha!

I'm with the start with what you have around the house crowd, although knowing what type of sealer is probably the best starting point.

 

[texmaster]

The sealant is the clear version of flex seal. Its thick in a lot of places so its not going to be fun.

Sorry for not mentioning the kind earlier.

 

[zeuspaul]

The manufacturer recommends acetone.

The Best Ways to Remove Flex Seal Liquid Rubber Spray

Learn the best methods to remove Flex Seal spray from unintended surfaces from the Flex Seal Family of Products leak and home repair specialists.

www.flexsealproducts.com

 

[Ikanahpupok]

You mentioned tiles
So im thinking you have a sealant on the tiles and you want to removed it?

As long as the tiles is hatd surface why not just use blade scraper

 

[mgmine]

You could try a heat gun and scraper see if it works. It won't be easy in the grout lines which is probably where it is leaking. Another thing would be an angle grinder with a wire brush on it. That should take off anything but I'm not sure if it would scrape the tiles. If you ruin the tiles you'll have to replace them. If you don't stop the leak you'll have to replace them so you really have nothing to lose.

 

[Ronfire]

Worst case is place in a liner and new cap stones.

 

[texmaster]

Ok I've learned a few things since starting this.

#1 If you work over 3 hours on your knees inside a tiny pond your body will remind you the next day how many muscles you have in your backside that you never knew existed

#2 Ceramic Tile is tough as nails. Hand scrapers don't do diddly. Neither do abrasive pads, even the ones that claim to remove epoxy. Acetone does next to nothing as well.

#3 A metal bush attached to a big honkin drill WORKS and it doesn't take the color off.

#4 Keep the vacuum cleaner nearby because the dust gets everywhere as you work.

#5 With all the dust you track through the house after scrubbing the epoxy off the tiles will get you yelled at.

 

[Lisak1]

Oh boy. Well, at least the job is done, right?

 

[addy1]

Good learning curve...................(take the shoes off before going into the house #5)

 

[Ronfire]

There a clear epoxy products available to seal concrete and grout. My dad used lots of it to seal his ferro cement boat. 34 years later it is still afloat.

 

[texmaster]

Oh boy. Well, at least the job is done, right?

Phase 1 is done. Clearing off the old. Now I've got to find a caulk or new epoxy that can be fully submerged in water.

 

[Ronfire]

Go for a complete coating not just a caulk. Look for an epoxy product, water should not bother it when cured.