I've noticed a dip in my backyard for several years now. It's a recessed area where, at one point, I could push my shovel down about three feet. I even had it resodded about three years ago, and I specifically asked them to raise the center, but it seems to have sunk back down. Right now, there's a soft spot in the middle where I can only get the shovel handle down a few inches in about a 15-foot-wide area. I called the city, and they said there's no infrastructure under my home. I've lived here since 2000, and there aren't any trees nearby. I've also been dealing with a mole issue. I'm considering hiring an engineer to check for a sinkhole, but that could cost me around $2500. Am I losing my mind, or could this actually be a sinkhole? Is there a cheaper way to figure this out?
3 Answers
I’ve seen something like this with a couple of my neighbors. Turned out to be buried construction debris from when the houses were built. They sometimes just cover junk with sod, which can break down over time and create depressions.
Honestly, it sounds like it could be an old cesspit that was covered up at some point. My yard had a similar problem where I accidentally stepped through grass into a void because the wood rotted beneath it. Not a fun situation! Definitely investigate before it gets worse.
If you're worried about sinkholes, have a chat with a friend who knows geology or even check out some historical maps of your area. It might just be a quirky dip, but having the right info could save you a headache later!