Waterproofing Retaining Walls

How do you waterproof a concrete block retaining wall?

Waterproofing Preparation: thoroughly cleaning the retaining wall once the wall has been exposed by excavation.
To fill any gaps, bag the wall by using sand & cement mix. Let dry.
Detail the footing with Geotextile Bandage (buy here).
Apply two coats of Liquid Rubber waterproof membrane allowing to dry for a couple of days.
Protect the membrane with Arma-Blue Protection Sheet and back fill.
Done!

View video below to learn how to properly prepare a retaining wall for waterproofing.

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DIY Waterproofing application is vital for any block work, masonry etc. retaining wall as they are porous by nature allowing water to penetrate through the mortar and causing damage.
Often the best method for retaining wall waterproofing is to tackle the leak issues from the outside. This means that the soil needs to be excavated in order to expose the below ground wall for waterproofing.
It is paramount that the block work retaining wall is properly prepared prior to membrane application.

Here is how to go about that process...

It is a good idea to smooth out the retaining wall prior to waterproof application.
To even out the imperfections of the wall use a sand and cement mix to bag the surface.
Let dry completely.
Scroll down for more tips on mixing the sand & cement.

Once the wall is completely dry, detail with Liquid Rubber and textile bandage on the footing.
Apply 1 coat of Liquid Rubber and let dry for approx. 24 hours.
If there is rain in the eminent forecast, do NOT apply!
Apply second coat of Liquid Rubber and let dry for approx. 48 hours.
Install Arma-Blue Protection Sheet by overlapping the seams to protect the Liquid Rubber membrane.
Back fill with scoria or crushed rock and if you want to reinstate the garden above all this, you will top it with garden soil mix.
The membrane and protection sheet should extend slightly higher than the desired garden bed finished height.

TIP!

Before backfilling, this is the time when you would install agricultural drains (AG drains), which is generally done by a plumber.

This will usually help directing the water towards the drain points rather than pooling at the base of the wall.

Use washed sand. The amount depends on how many cracks and holes there are.
Just use standard general purpose cement.
Make a sloppy mix using 4 parts sand 1 cement and 250ml of Bondcrete per 4L bucket of sand. You might find THIS guide helpful.
Add the water slowly while mixing. Add enough to make a sloppy mix.
You could use a wheelbarrow and use shovel and/or a nail rake for mixing.