Signs of a Sinkhole Under Your House

Sinkholes can develop when changes below the ground create spaces that the soil above can no longer fully support. Depending on the conditions, homeowners may notice changes in the yard, driveway, or home that warrant further evaluation.

Some possible signs of a sinkhole under your house can also occur for other reasons, including ordinary soil settlement or drainage problems. That’s why visible symptoms alone can’t confirm that a sinkhole is present. A professional evaluation can help determine what’s happening and what next steps may be appropriate.

What Causes a Sinkhole to Form Under a House?

Sinkholes can form when underground conditions change and the soil above loses support. In areas with limestone below the surface, groundwater can gradually dissolve the rock and create underground spaces. Soil may eventually move into those spaces, causing settlement or a depression at the surface.

Changes in groundwater, heavy rainfall, drainage problems, and other water-related conditions may also contribute to ground movement.

Because several types of soil movement can produce similar symptoms, determining what causes a sinkhole under a house requires evaluating the specific conditions at the property.

Early Warning Signs of a Sinkhole

Sinkhole warning signs can appear in the yard, paved surfaces, or structures around a property. Possible signs to watch for include:

Depressions or holes in the ground: New dips, depressions, or holes may indicate changes beneath the surface.
Sinking or sloping areas: Sections of a yard, driveway, patio, or other surface may begin to settle.
New or widening cracks: Changes in the ground may contribute to cracking in sidewalks, driveways, pool decks, or other concrete surfaces.
Leaning outdoor structures: Fence posts, sheds, decks, or other structures may shift as the ground beneath them changes.
Changes around the home: New cracks, uneven floors, or doors and windows that become difficult to operate may warrant further evaluation.

These signs do not necessarily mean a sinkhole is present. They can have several possible causes, so a professional assessment is important.

How Sinkholes Can Damage Your Foundation

When soil beneath a home loses support, portions of the foundation may settle or move unevenly. Depending on the location and extent of the ground movement, homeowners may notice foundation cracks, uneven floors, or other changes around the property.

However, these symptoms aren’t unique to sinkholes. Foundation settlement, drainage issues, erosion, and other soil conditions can produce similar signs. If you’re wondering how to tell if there is a sinkhole under your house, a professional evaluation is more reliable than trying to diagnose the cause based on visible symptoms alone.

What to Do If You Suspect a Sinkhole

If you notice a new ground depression, sudden settlement, or other concerning changes around your property:

Document the changes: Take photos and note when you first noticed the affected areas.
Keep away from potentially unstable ground: Avoid walking, driving, or placing heavy objects around a new or expanding depression.
Have the area evaluated: A qualified professional can assess the conditions and help determine appropriate next steps.

Knowing what to do if you suspect a sinkhole starts with taking unusual ground changes seriously without assuming their cause.

Schedule a Professional Sinkhole Inspection

If you’ve noticed a new depression, sinking concrete, unusual ground movement, or other possible sinkhole warning signs, Foundation Services can evaluate the affected area and help you better understand what’s happening.