Guide
Why is my driveway sinking?
A sinking driveway almost always traces back to what’s underneath.
Common causes
- Backfill beside the foundation that was never fully compacted
- Downspouts and poor grading washing fine soil out
- Freeze-thaw cycles loosening the sub-base
- Clay soil shrinking in dry periods
- Leaking underground lines
What you can check
- Where does roof water discharge?
- Does water pool on or beside the driveway?
- Is settlement worse near the garage or house?
Next step: an assessment
Photos help, but the only reliable way to decide whether a slab can be lifted is an on-site look at the concrete, the drainage and the likely cause of settlement. Submit a request and the HAUSE intake team will review it and confirm whether a suitable contractor is available in your area.
Conceptual illustration
The water–soil–settlement cycle
Runoff softens or washes out soil, the slab drops, open joints let in more water — unless drainage is fixed.
- 1
Rain or snowmelt runs toward the slab (downspouts, grading)
- 2
Soil under the edge softens or washes out
- 3
The slab loses support and settles
- 4
Open joints and cracks let more water in
Break the cycle: redirect downspouts, correct grading and seal joints — otherwise a lifted slab can settle again.
Text version
- Rain or snowmelt runs toward the slab (downspouts, grading)
- Soil under the edge softens or washes out
- The slab loses support and settles
- Open joints and cracks let more water in
- Break the cycle by fixing drainage and sealing joints.
More in the visual guides · try the slab self-check.
Have a settled slab?
Describe it, add photos if you have them, and the HAUSE intake team will review your request and confirm whether a suitable contractor is available near you.
Request an assessment