Homeowner · Troy, MI · Member since 2008 · 22 posts · 5 votes
I recently had a sanitary line fail under the basement floor. The plumber wanted an extra $2500 to break up the floor and dig the trench. I told him I would do that part to save the $$$. I did it the old fashioned way-sledge hammer and pick. It was clear about 5 minutes in that the smart way is with proper equipment.
Question is, what is a better tool to buy, an electric demolition hammer or a concrete saw? Most of my houses were constructed pre-sump pump days. I would like to start adding basement drainage systems and sump pumps when I first buy the properties.
Rental Property Investor · Mercer Island, WA · Member since 2008 · 22k+ posts · 14k+ votes
16y
I'm a tool junkie, but I'd hesitate to buy either of those. I'd either rent, or pay a concrete sawing company to do it. $2500 would pay for a LOT of concrete sawing. I've done this several times. I hired concrete sawer's to do the cuts and rented a BIG demo hammer. The sawers have big hydraulic saws powered from their trucks.
If your going to do several of them,,,I would opt for the saw and preferably one you can run a bit of water and get the crack wet to reduce dust. then a sledge hammer should work real well. A demo hammer might be NICE but think a rotary hammer drill would be almost the same with varied uses. on a trench a foot wide or so it should be easy to roll it out of there. More effort to get it hauled away. the saw gives you a mostly even edge to cement back after while. I agree most houses do need drain tile.even 1 year out of 10,,,you still NEED it. or couple weeks a year,,,always necessary.
Rental Property Investor · St. Louis, MO · Member since 2008 · 189 posts · 75 votes
16y
After doing several my vote would be a good jackhammer. A concrete saw is an awesome tool but will create an incredible amount of dust and a lot of exhaust fumes. Most people are not going to care if you have a nice straight cut line on a basement floor. I use the saw in high visibility areas like driveways/sidewalks etc if doing replacement of just a section or to cut in joints in large pours.
Real Estate Investor · Rancho Palos Verdes, CA · Member since 2009 · 17 posts · 2 votes
16y
I searched around a while and found a used Bosch Brute 60 LB electric jackhammer. I used to use a sledge and pick. WOW I should have got it years ago. If your not going to use it much you should be able to rent the saw or hammer. If you buy and sell a used tool at the right price you can use it for free.
Landlord · Seattle, WA · Member since 2010 · 3k+ posts · 1k+ votes
16y
I've done this job before. I would rent the saw and jack hammer. The saw allows you to break the concrete out cleanly. This is useful when you go to fix the floor later. The jack hammer makes quick work of it later as long as you house is older and the concrete is not reinforced. If the concrete is reinforced its going to be quite a job.