I recently discovered that a water main was leaking underneath my driveway, which caused soil erosion and a significant hole when it finally burst. Thankfully, the driveway slab itself remained undamaged, but now I need to backfill the massive void left by the leakage. I've had the pipes repaired by professionals, but I'm feeling a bit out of my depth with this project. I'm getting quotes from a few contractors this weekend but would love advice on what to look for. Can I use materials like gravel, crusher run, or another type of fill? The driveway is under five years old, so I'm hoping to avoid tearing it out and pouring a new slab. Here's a link to the photos: https://imgur.com/a/gHW9cX7
3 Answers
Definitely reach out to local experts who do mud jacking! They can inject mud, grout, or even spray foam under those sunken areas. That could be a solid fix without having to tear everything out and start fresh. Also, flowable fill is a great option.
Honestly, if it were my driveway, I'd probably just cut out the undermined sections, repair the base, and re-pour new concrete. Trying to backfill might be more trouble than it's worth in the long run, considering potential future settling. Just my two cents!
It sounds like the most reliable solution, even if it’s a more expensive one.
That's a tough situation! My initial worry would be whether any backfill could ever really be compacted enough to support your driveway. You might want to consider hiring a company that specializes in spray foam hydraulic fill; they can really add some strength and stability. Alternatively, you might just need to dig down and rebuild that section properly, which might be your safest bet.
I’ve heard using shotcrete could work well for this! It might give you the support you need without risking the driveway.
Make sure to ask if they have experience with situations like yours—it’s crucial!