Different ways to plug leak in basement wall

Q. I have a basement wall that leaks a small stream about the size of the lead in a pencil. What will stop the leak? J. Ladd Smith Bellingham, Wash.

A. Stop the small leak by inserting a whittled-to-size redwood plug. Drive it into the hole. After the wood swells, it may stop the leak entirely.

If more sophisticated means are required to plug the leak, apply a cementous-type sealer which is equal to those made by Sealwall Products, 36300 Lakeland Boulevard, Eastlake, Ohio 44094, and Hartline Products Company, 2186 Noble Road, Celveland, Ohio 44112.

Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instruction to the letter.