[mrs bouquet]

Here I go again !     Went out to the garage to check something, and noticed that the severe rain was oozing through the 4" brick wall.   Many years ago my husband painted it externally, with a clear water proof substance, so I am guessing it needs doing again now.  However, I see that there ae many different makes, and prices on /Google.
Have any of you used one, any recommendations or tips please.     regards and thanks yet again,  Mrs Bouquet

[Goosegirl]

Any waterproof product will deteriorate over time. When we replaced our old rendering the builder used Sika but that was mixed into the new render so I've found this:  https://www.screwfix.com/p/thompsons-water-seal-clear-5ltr/52043. I also suspect there may be some mortar missing between the bricks and if so, you can get this from the same place: https://www.screwfix.com/p/cementone-general-purpose-mortar-5kg/36857.
Is this something you can do or will you have to get a man in? If I were there (please you lovely people but don't laugh at what follows) I'd get a chisel and use a small hammer to insert it into any loose mortar between the bricks, use one of those little dish-washing brushes to sweep out any remains, and now comes the funny bit! As I don't have a clue how to insert the new mortar, I'd use a cake piping bag with an open nozzle, fill it with some mortar, insert it into the gap, twist the end of the bag, slant one end of the nozzle towards the top and give it a jolly good squeeze. When it starts oozing out keep moving the nozzle down until you get to the end then repeat as necessary until all the gaps are filled. Using one of those stainless steel metal dibbers, flatten the mortar, scrape off any excess, then when it's dried give it a brush over with a wire brush or whatever comes to hand. Apply the waterproof as per instructions (including where the bricks meet the base), stand well back, admire your DIY skills, go and have a hot bath accompanied by a nicely-chilled Pino Noir, wobble downstairs with a great feeling of satisfaction and have a lovely meal along with one of your favourite films.  Another option is to get a man in to do it for you. I know which I'd choose but I doubt the Mods would let me say any more! 

[mrs bouquet]

Thanks for that Gg, you do make me laugh, trying to picture myself out there in the gales doing that - I'll have to try and find a man !     Going to look at Screwfix site now, do you think they may have a man !  Mrs Bouquet

[jaydig]

That's not as funny as you think, GG.  I've often watched my husband refilling mortar joints (yes, we have an old property too), and thought how much quicker it would be with a piping bag.  Not that I'd suggest it, of course, or my really nice one would disappear from my cupboard never to be seen again.

[mumofstig]

Yes, there is a thing like an icing syringe for mortar
https://www.screwfix.com/p/roughneck-brick-mortar-gun/67965

[Goosegirl]

Thanks for that Gg, you do make me laugh, trying to picture myself out there in the gales doing that - I'll have to try and find a man !     Going to look at Screwfix site now, do you think they may have a man !  Mrs Bouquet

MB, I'm sure they will have several, so may I suggest you take a walking stick, get in your car, have a little look around with a bewildered expression on your face, then choose your quarry by asking around for what you want, then see which amongst them are in the queue to lend you a hand. This will give you a short-list of the ideal person for the job but beware of anyone with a smile that doesn't reach their eyes! As for your personal preferences in men I couldn't possibly comment, but let's hope you find one from Screwfix. 

[grinling]

just painting the thompson on will do, but you will need to see where it is coming in.
If mortaring you should wet the joint first

[Growster...]

Seriously, Mrs B, I suggest you pop down to one of the builders merchants and ask them!

Travis Perkins are usually particularly helpful, as are Jewson. Its fair to say that while you'll be there with a few white van men ordering all sorts of things, you'll be surprised at how much they'll want to help!

A good waterproof paint won't be cheap, but if it has lasted all this time, then another coat won't go amiss.

If the joints aren't more than half an inch deep, then just paint into them, the result will be the same!

[Goosegirl]

Grinling, would wetting it first stop the water-proofing being absorbed into the dry bits or does it not work that way?