DIY guideRetaining wall

Look along the retaining wall for lean and bulge

Sight along the wall and check it with a level for lean, bulges and cracks, mark what you find, and know when it's a pro's.

7 steps

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Stand at one end and look along the top edge. It should run straight, with no section pushed out.
Hold a level upright against the face. It should stand straight or lean back into the soil, never out toward you.
Look for blocks or stones pushed out, cracks running through, and joints opening up.
Check the ground behind the wall for cracks, sinking soil, or water sitting there.
Look for soil washing out from under the wall, wet spots, and blocked weep holes.
Chalk the ends of each crack and photograph it with a tape measure beside it, to compare next time.
Keep everyone away from the bottom of the wall, and ask Handyman for a pro to look at it.
A wall that leans or bulges can fall: don't stand, dig or park below it.

Handyman says: Keep clear below it. I'll find a pro.

Free for every home. Handyman asks a few questions, then books a pro it trusts.