Correct way to fix a broken block in a cinder block foundation

Question

I have a 1954 built house with a cinder block crawlspace foundation with about a 1 1/2 foot clearance. I can squeeze in, but not easily. I'm in Cleveland, OH, so there is definitely a freeze-thaw cycle.
I was crawling around looking for the source of a moldy smell, and found that one of the cinder blocks under our renovated kitchen was shattered.
My question is what is the best way to fix this - various masons have suggested filling the space with hydraulic cement with maybe some bricks tossed in for good measure to fill the void.
My thought was to grind the broken block out and "butter" in a new block.
What is the best way?

isherwood · Accepted Answer

"Best" is what you can do in that tight space. If the cavity is filled with masonry it's probably fine. Ideally you'd replace the block with a like block and tuck-point the mortar in place. Might be easier said than done, though.

Correct answer by isherwood on January 28, 2021

PennyPincherWannaBeHandyMan · Answer

Im not a pro by any means but the hydraulic cement suggestion would probably work just fine. I know hydraulic cement is often used to patch cracks in basement walls. Replacing with new block is ideal solution tho.

Answered by PennyPincherWannaBeHandyMan on January 28, 2021

Correct way to fix a broken block in a cinder block foundation

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