3 Ways Soil Movement Can Damage Your Property

When the ground beneath your property shifts, it can cause damage you might not notice until you’re faced with costly repairs. Understanding the three common ways soil movement can damage your property can help you protect your home. Learn the top warning signs and how you can stop or prevent soil movement.

Foundation Cracks

Soil movement, whether due to erosion, drought, or fluctuating water levels, creates uneven pressure on your home’s foundation. Over time, this stress can lead to cracks, which not only weaken the structural integrity of your home but can also invite moisture infiltration.

Once water seeps through these cracks, it can cause additional damage through mold growth and further weakening of the concrete. Left unchecked, the foundation’s stability can decline so much that expensive repairs, like underpinning or structural reinforcement, become necessary. Proper drainage and soil stabilization, often achieved by injecting grout or polymers into the ground, can save your foundation from cracking.

Sewer Line Collapse

Your sewer lines are buried in the ground, and shifting soil is one of the most common reasons for sewer line collapse. When the earth moves, underground pipes may crack, disconnect, or collapse entirely due to the added stress. A collapsed sewer line can result in raw sewage backing up into your home and require costly excavation work to fix the damage.

Additionally, undetected sewer line problems can lead to soil contamination and environmental concerns, particularly if waste leaks into the surrounding areas. Routine inspections every one to two years and maintenance can protect your system from sudden collapses caused by soil shifts.

Driveway or Sidewalk Damage

Shifting soil can also damage your property’s driveways and sidewalks, which may crack, sink, or become uneven as the ground beneath them moves. These issues diminish curb appeal and create hazards for walking or driving.

Over time, neglected cracks can widen, making repairs costlier and more labor-intensive. To address this, many homeowners turn to soil stabilization products or leveling techniques like slabjacking. Ensuring proper drainage around your property can also reduce the risk of driveway and sidewalk damage.

Shifting soil can weaken foundations, cause sewer line failures, and make driveways and sidewalks crack or become uneven. Soil stabilization products provided by foundation repair companies, appropriate drainage, and periodic plumbing and foundation inspections can prevent expensive fixes.