Inspection · 8 min

Inspect a retaining wall for early problems

Catching a drainage or structural problem early can save thousands in repairs. A 20-minute inspection after every wet season tells you whether your wall is holding up or starting to fail.

What you'll learn

What early cracking and bowing look like on block and stone walls
How to check drainage outlets and weep holes behind the wall
Which warning signs mean call a pro now versus monitor for next season

Step by step

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Safety note

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More guides

Keep learning.

Homeowner clearing blocked weep holes at the base of a retaining wall with a wire probe on a San Diego property

Maintenance · 6 min

Clear blocked weep holes in a retaining wall

Blocked weep holes are one of the most common causes of hydrostatic pressure buildup behind retaining walls. Clearing them is a 30-minute task that can extend wall life significantly.

Homeowner measuring retaining wall height with a tape measure on a San Diego hillside lot

Planning · 5 min

Measure wall height for permit purposes

Whether your wall needs a permit depends on its measured height, not how tall it looks from the yard. Learning to measure correctly takes 10 minutes and may determine whether your project requires engineering.

Homeowner comparing concrete block, timber, and natural stone wall material samples outdoors at a San Diego property

Planning · 6 min

Identify your retaining wall material

Knowing what your wall is built from helps you get an accurate quote and understand your repair or replacement options. Most wall materials are identifiable from a 5-minute walkthrough.