Who is responsible for repairing sinkholes?

If a sinkhole occurs on private property, it is the homeowner’s responsibility and they will need to check whether the cost of any damage and repairs related to it can be claimed as part of their insurance.

Who do you report sinkholes to?

Contact your State Geological Survey. They are the experts on the geology of your area and they might be able to explain why a sinkhole is forming at your location. Some states have extensive online information about sinkholes, including a place to report them.

Does insurance pay for sinkholes?

No, standard homeowners insurance will not cover sinkholes or any other so-called earth movements, like earthquakes and landslides. However, you may be able to add sinkhole coverage to your policy for an additional premium or purchase it separately.

Do you have to disclose a sinkhole?

While home sellers are required to disclose any sinkhole activity on a property involved in a sale, they are not required to disclose what geological features may exist underneath that property (e.g. underground caves).

Should you report a sinkhole?

If a sinkhole threatens your house, get out immediately, and call your local emergency management organization, then your insurance company. If a small hole opens, rope off the area to keep curiosity seekers away, and then call your insurance company and your local emergency management organization.

What is a sinkhole inspection?

A sinkhole inspection is a formal review of your property to determine whether it is experiencing sinkhole activity. Sinkholes are a completely natural occurrence. Most happen when slightly acidic rainwater or groundwater gnaws away at limestone or other rock between ground surface dirt and flowing water.

How big can a sinkhole get?

Sinkholes can vary from a few feet to hundreds of acres and from less than 1 to more than 100 feet deep. Some are shaped like shallow bowls or saucers whereas others have vertical walls; some hold water and form natural ponds.

Do Home Inspectors check for sinkholes?

Home inspectors are not trained, and do not have the specialized testing equipment, to determine if any structural problems or an area of sinking soil is the beginning of a sinkhole. A home inspector might recommend evaluation by a geologist, based on what he or she sees during the inspection.

What is a sinkhole property?

Sinkholes and “sinkhole homes” (homes with repaired or active sinkholes on the property) are remarkably common in the state of Florida. This is due in part to the karst terrain in the state. Karst topography is formed from the breakdown of soluble rocks like limestone. This thin layer easily collapses into a sinkhole.

Is it dangerous to have a sinkhole on your property?

A sinkhole on your property can sometimes be extremely dangerous and other times an easy fix. If there is a small depression in the yard, away from any structures or roads, the homeowner can usually manage it. It is recommended that the homeowner monitors the hole and fills the depression if it remains the same size.

How do I report a sinkhole on my property?

Call emergency services and tell them you suspect a sinkhole. If a hole has opened up, leave your home. Call your insurance company, and they will send an adjuster to check out the problem. The adjuster may decide to have an engineer inspect your property. Depending on the severity of the sinkhole and damage caused,…

How do you know if you have a sinkhole in your yard?

Small, new ponds of water are a sign of a sinkhole, especially if water has never collected there before. Look for pools of water around your foundation. Similarly, if an existing pond suddenly drains, you should call a professional. Walk through your yard looking for new depressions, slopes, or dips. Are there areas of dead grass and plants?

Are sinkholes covered by homeowners insurance?

In some states is an insurance law that a sinkhole claim must be paid only if there is structural damage that includes damage to the foundation, and it must surpass a certain variance in the building code. It must also cause the structural system to be unable to support the weight it was made to support.