Sinkhole Repairs
Understanding Stormwater Sinkholes
Sinkhole is a term used to describe a depression or open cavity in the earth’s surface. Often, they begin as a dip or depression in a parking lot or grassed area. Overtime, especially when exposed to rain, the subgrade soils erode, leaving a large cavity that continues to grow.
Why do Sinkholes Appear?
Sinkholes can be a sign of premature infrastructure failure. Sinkholes may occur around a structure like a catch basin or outlet control structure. These sinkholes are often due to joint separation where the connection between structures or pipes weakens and allows water and subgrade to enter through a fracture.
A weak point in water infrastructure will always compound into a larger issue because constant infiltration during rain events adds strain to the structure and compounds the issue. The issue may be related to joint separation, improper connection, cracks or root infiltration. To properly understand the issue with your property, it is essential to first inspect the infrastructure, often done with a remote-controlled camera (CCTV).
The high velocity of the running water exploits openings or deficiencies in structures. What starts as a small failure will grow as it is continually exposed to stormwater. Eventually it will allow water to escape the pipe. As water exits the pipe, it loosens the surrounding soil, causing the soil to wash downstream. Once the soil is loosened by the stormwater, it is no longer compacted and disrupts what was a delicate balance. In many cases, the stormwater outside of the pipe continues downstream loosening the compacted soil and creating more displacement. As the soil is displaced, the ground above settles into the empty space creating a depression on the surface. Eventually, this depression opens revealing the cavity below.
Property owners identified cracking and shifting along the parking lot indicating failure of the stormwater system below.
Learn more about common stormwater failures and how to stay ahead of them.
Sinkholes Stabilization
Sinkholes will continue to expand as more rushing water displaces additional soil within the subgrade. It is crucial to consult a stormwater professional as sinkholes are extremely dangerous. What is visible from the opening of the sinkhole may only be a small portion of the cavern below. It is important for professionals to identity the root cause of the sinkhole, through various means including but not limited to CCTV, exploratory digs, geotechnical surveys, etc. To stabilize the sinkhole, professionals must first divert any water away from the area. The root cause must be corrected to restore the system and prevent additional loss of subgrade soils. Then loose soils can be removed and replaced with appropriate fill material for the severity of the opening.
Common Places for Sinkholes
- Catch Basins
- Outlet Control Structures
- Headwalls and Endwalls
- Junction Boxes
- Retaining Walls
- Above Pipelines
Sinkhole Leads to Stormwater System Rehabilitation
What originally started as a small depression in the area surrounding this commercial office space, was a symptom of severe system failure underneath. Read more about the diagnosis of the stormwater failure and the rehabilitation that followed.
Did you receive an NOV? Have an urgent need? We can help.
Reach out to an AQUALIS representative today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sinkhole Repairs
What are common indicators that I need sinkhole repairs?
Sinkholes first appear as depressions, and later holes in an otherwise flat area.
How long does sinkhole repair or maintenance typically last?
Repairs and maintenance typically offer several years of reliable function, depending on regular upkeep and conditions.
Are sinkhole repairs disruptive to my property's daily operations?
Our team strives to minimize disruptions, using methods designed to reduce impacts on your daily activities.
Does weather affect how quickly sinkhole repairs can be completed?
Weather conditions can impact scheduling, especially heavy rain or extreme conditions, but we adjust to minimize delays.
Does AQUALIS perform sinkhole repairs nationwide?
Yes, AQUALIS provides sinkhole repairs nationwide through regional experts familiar with local regulations.
Can AQUALIS assist with regulatory compliance related to sinkhole repairs?
Our team handles compliance documentation and communications with local regulatory agencies throughout the process.
Does AQUALIS offer emergency response for urgent issues?
Yes, we provide rapid-response services for urgent or emergency stormwater system issues.
Can AQUALIS provide customized service plans for specific sites?
We tailor customized plans to meet each property’s unique needs, regulatory requirements and infrastructure conditions.
Is AQUALIS experienced in working with commercial and retail properties?
We have extensive experience with commercial, retail, and industrial properties, managing complex stormwater systems nationwide.
How quickly does AQUALIS respond to consultation requests?
Our team typically responds to requests for consultation within 24 hours to discuss your specific needs.
Does AQUALIS utilize specialized equipment for sinkhole repairs?
Yes, our technicians use advanced equipment and proven techniques suited for various stormwater infrastructure services.
Will AQUALIS restore my system to its original design capacity?
We always aim to restore systems to their original or improved performance standards as required by regulations.
Does AQUALIS offer post-service inspections or guarantees?
Yes, we conduct thorough post-service inspections to ensure lasting effectiveness and compliance.
Can neglecting sinkhole repairs lead to regulatory fines?
Yes, neglecting necessary maintenance or repairs can result in regulatory violations, potential fines, business disruptions and safety hazards.
Are permits usually required for sinkhole repairs?
Permits vary across municipalities and by the amount of disturbance.
Can preventative maintenance reduce the need for extensive repairs?
Regular preventative maintenance greatly reduces the risk of major issues, extending the life of your stormwater system. Your system may still need repairs, but identifying issues early ensure they are repaired before they escalate to full failure.
What’s involved in the initial assessment for this service?
Initial assessments typically involve visual inspections, structural evaluations and site map evaluations.
How frequently should inspections be performed for preventative care?
Annual inspections are recommended, and may be required by your municipality with additional checks following severe weather events or noticeable changes.