Sinkholes: Causes, Prevention, and How to Respond

Sinkholes aren’t just a distant concern for property owners—they’re a real and growing issue for businesses and communities across the country. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, sinkholes cost the U.S. hundreds of millions of dollars in damage each year. For property managers and business owners, the sudden appearance of a sinkhole can threaten safety, damage underground utilities, and disrupt operations. Understanding sinkholes, knowing how to prevent them, and being prepared to respond can safeguard your property and peace of mind. As experts in sinkhole prevention, emergency repair, and underground utilities management, Ochs Site Services is here to help.

What Causes Sinkholes?

Natural Geological Processes

Sinkholes are depressions or holes in the ground caused by the collapse of a surface layer. The most common type, a solution sinkhole, forms when water dissolves soluble bedrock (like limestone, salt, or gypsum) beneath the soil surface. Rainwater and groundwater, often made slightly acidic by environmental factors, seep through the earth and gradually erode this rock, creating underground voids. When the ceiling of a void becomes too weak to support the weight above, it gives way, and a sinkhole appears. This process can happen suddenly or develop over many years.

Human Activity and Sinkhole Formation

While some sinkholes are inevitable due to natural processes, many are caused or sped up by human actions. Common contributors include:

• Water Main Breaks: Leaky pipes saturate the soil and wash away the support around underground utilities.

• Improper Drainage: Poorly managed stormwater exacerbates erosion and undercuts the stability of the ground.

• Excessive Groundwater Extraction: Drawing too much water from underground sources can destabilize soils.

• Construction Activities: Excavation and altered land drainage can disturb sensitive ground layers.

These factors often come into play in areas with older infrastructure or during landscape changes. Understanding the sinkhole causes on your property is a key step in sinkhole prevention.

Identifying Potential Sinkhole Signs

Early detection can prevent a minor issue from becoming a costly disaster. Some early warning signs include:

• Cracks in building foundations, driveways, or sidewalks

• Sagging or slumping ground areas

• Depressions or circular patches of wilting vegetation

• Doors or windows that no longer close properly

• Sudden appearance of small holes or muddy water around the property

If you spot any of these signs, time is of the essence. It’s crucial to seek a professional inspection from experts who understand both the natural and man-made factors at play—like the team at Ochs Site Services. Our site assessments include detailed ground analysis and underground utilities management to determine the best solutions for your property.

Prevention Strategies

Proactive property management is the best form of sinkhole prevention. Here are effective strategies:

Proper Land Management

Effective land grading and controlled development reduce water penetration to sensitive soils. Maintaining vegetation helps stabilize soil and protect against surface erosion.

Water Management and Erosion Control

Installing water detention systems, like storm lines and retention basins, allows for controlled water flow and minimizes the risk of soil erosion. Regular maintenance of stormwater systems is vital to prevent blockages, backups, and subsequent ground instability.

Underground Utilities Management

Locating, protecting, and updating underground utilities prevents leaks and accidental damage during construction. The integration of leak detection systems and routine inspection can catch small problems before they escalate.

Ochs Site Services delivers comprehensive erosion control measures, site grading, and the installation of stormwater management solutions—tailored for commercial and municipal projects across the Midwest.

How to Respond to a Sinkhole

When a sinkhole is discovered on your property, safety is the top priority.

Immediate Steps

• Restrict access to the area and mark the hazard clearly.

• Keep people and vehicles away, as the soil around a sinkhole can be unstable.

• Contact local authorities if public safety is at risk.

When to Seek Professional Help

If you suspect a sinkhole or notice any warning signs, contact experts who specialize in emergency sinkhole repair and site stabilization. Quick, decisive action can prevent further damage and reduce remediation costs.

Ochs Site Services’ Emergency Response

Ochs Site Services offers fast, reliable emergency response for sinkholes and other site emergencies. Our certified crews provide sinkhole assessment, repair, and full restoration of affected areas with minimal disruption to your business.

Case Study: Navigating Complex Sinkhole Repair Under Pressure

Last year, Ochs Site Services was called in by a property manager who discovered what seemed like a standard sinkhole near their building. Our team’s first step was to run a camera inspection within the storm line to pinpoint the problem. What we uncovered was more complex than expected: multiple breaks throughout the storm pipe, rather than a single simple issue.

The repair quickly escalated in complexity. The broken storm line ran beneath a network of utilities—three-phase power lines, fiber optic cables, and several other dry utility conduits—all of which demanded careful navigation and expert planning to avoid service disruptions or hazards. Adding to the challenge, our excavation had to proceed under a substantial masonry retaining wall and the building’s foundation, both at risk from ground instability and further collapse.

Our solution required precise excavation beneath these obstacles, safe support structures, and a strategic replacement of the entire compromised storm pipe. By managing the risks and coordinating closely with utility providers, we successfully replaced the damaged storm line, stabilized the ground, and restored safe conditions for the property and its tenants. What began as a routine sinkhole call became a major infrastructure project—demonstrating Ochs Site Services’ expertise in emergency sinkhole repair and complex underground utilities management.

Protect Your Property with Ochs Site Services

Sinkholes are unpredictable—but with knowledge, prevention, and trusted support, you can protect your property and peace of mind. Remember the warning signs. Invest in proactive measures like site assessments and robust stormwater management. If a sinkhole emerges, prompt, professional help makes all the difference.

Contact Ochs Site Services today for a comprehensive inspection or consultation. Our team is ready to help you manage sinkhole risks, prevent emergencies, and ensure the safety of your property for years to come.