Key takeaways
- Water pressure is the usual cause of failure
- Gravel backfill and a drain pipe relieve it
- A buried first course and a compacted base stop sliding
- Taller walls need engineering and often a permit
A retaining wall holds back soil, but water makes soil heavy.
Drain the water
Gravel behind the wall and a perforated pipe at the base carry water away so pressure does not build.
Start low and solid
A compacted base and a buried first course keep the wall from sliding or tipping.
Lean into the slope
Segmental block walls are set back a little at each course so the wall leans into the soil.
Know the limits
Taller walls need engineering, geogrid and often a permit. We explain what your project needs.
Related services
Questions about your own masonry? Call or text 800-224-9245, or use the estimate form below.