[cfreak]

I live in a cinder block on slab home in CA, 1 floor. Today, I found that ground around the corner next to gutter spout was lower than other area. Trying to see what happen, just lightly press it with shovel, it fell down about half foot deep. I tried to dig around the area the ground is very soft that I can easily push shovel 1-2 feet.

I think this might be cause by gutter spout at the corner. Can you please advice if I can just try to add some gravel and compress it hard or I should hire professional to do some assessment? I am not sure what the severity this can be. There's probably gas pipe around the area since the next 5-6 feets is a gas meter.

 

[jmon]

I agree with you, the cheapest option right now is routing the run off from the roof away from the slab foundation. See if that helps. The pooling of water is causing a soft spot in that area. You want to stop it before it gets worse.

Even though you are on a slab, make sure the area around the slab is properly pitch and gutter run off is routed away from foundation. A simple set-up like this may be all you need to do. Just a suggestion.

 

[Canarywood1]

Any chance you might be in an expansive clay soil area?, just a thought.

 

[jmon]

I think this might be cause by gutter spout at the corner. Can you please advice if I can just try to add some gravel and compress it hard or I should hire professional to do some assessment? I am not sure what the severity this can be. There's probably gas pipe around the area since the next 5-6 feets is a gas meter.

Is there any signs of structural damage like cracks (inside/outside house) or doors and windows not closing properly. If so, you may want to consult a structural engineer or a certified foundation contractor in your area.

It looks like it goes all the way down to bottom of slab. Make sure it's properly back filled as you suggested. Looks like you caught it in time before any real damage was done.

There are a few contractors/engineers that frequent this forum please wait for one of them to respond. Thanks.

 

[Bud9051]

How long ago was the gas line installed and did they dig anywhere near this problem?

The combination of disturbed soil (not properly compacted when done) and that gutter dumping lots of water there could easily cause the soil to settle. If you suspect the gas line installation is involved in any way, give them a call and I bet they will be on your doorstep quickly.

If it ends up with you filling the hole, I would use something more impervious than gavel. And maybe include some filter fabric. That hole at the bottom would give me some concern as to how large it might be further on.

jmom's suggestion of some engineering advice might be well worth it.

Bud

 

[cfreak]

Thanks all for suggestions.

The gas pipe was there since I bought the house in 2010. I think it's pretty old. I hope some structural engineer could give me insight about it.

I will quickly routing run off away from foundation.