How to Fill a Sink Hole

A sinkhole is not only an eyesore on your property but it can also cause structural damage to your home if left unchecked. Sinkholes form when an existing underground cavity collapses because it is no longer able to support the weight of the topsoil. Torrential rains, construction and flooding are examples of triggers that cause a sinkhole to occur. Fortunately, it is possible to fill a sinkhole with materials available at hardware stores.

Things You'll Need

• Shovel
• Large stones
• Small stones
• Gravel
• Geotextile fabric
• Sand
• Soil

Instructions

1. Excavate the soil in the sinkhole. Dig until you reach the rock bed.

2. Place a layer of large stones on the bottom of the hole. Each large stone should be about the size of a head of cabbage. Each layer should be between 6 and 24 inches deep.

3. Place a layer of smaller stones on top of the large stones. These stones should be about the size of a fist. Add a layer of gravel over the smaller stones.

4. Place a geotextile fabric over the gravel. Place a layer of coarse sand over the geotextile fabric. The fabric prevents the sand from going through the gravel.

5. Fill the rest of the hole with soil. Plant flowers, grass or trees in the filled sinkhole to match the surrounding area.

References

• South Middleton Township: Sinkhole Repair
• University of South Florida: Sinkholes
• Florida Department of Environmental Protection