How to Raise Sidewalk Slab

Over time, the earth beneath a sidewalk can compact, resulting in the slabs beginning to sink at diagonal angles to each other. This can result in water pooling, cracked slabs and possible tripping injuries. Professionals repair this damage through a process called slabjacking, in which holes are drilled through the slab and pressurized concrete is injected, leveling the slab. If your sidewalk has a slab that has only sunk an inch or two, you can do a similar repair yourself.

Shovel
Pick
Wooden shims
Concrete
Injector

Instructions

- 1
  Dig out the ground on both sides of the sunken slab. You want a channel about four inches wide and as deep as the lowest part of the slab.
- 2
  Use the flat end of a pick to raise the slab back up to a horizontal level.
- 3
  Have a friend place thin wooden shims (such as paint sticks) under both sides of the slab. Keep adding shims until the slab is supported, allowing you to set the pick aside.
- 4
  Fill one of the channels back in with dirt, leaving the shims in place.
- 5
  Mix a batch of concrete and water according to the instructions on the package.
- 6
  Fill the space beneath the slab with concrete using an injector, which is shaped like a giant syringe. This will likely take several injections.
- 7
  Allow the concrete to cure for 24 hours. Do not allow anyone to step on the slab during this time.
- 8
  Fill the other channel back in with dirt.

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