Our Tools, of The Trade: The Push Pier

Sinking or settling foundations are typically caused by one or two things; sometimes it is a combination of both. When homes are constructed, they are usually built on soil that has not been compacted enough to support the weight of the home. The home, or building, then sinks into the soil which is why we call it “settlement,” as it is “settling” in its place. Other times moisture conditions, drought, and over-saturation create soil movement allowing the foundation to sink. However, Lowcountry Basement Systems can permanently stabilize sinking and settling foundations. Our team of full-time engineers designed our tools for this specific purpose.

Lowcountry Basement Systems is part of a network of specialized contractors that fix foundations right the first time. The network we belong to is called Supportworks. They are based out of Omaha, Nebraska and design our tools, software and training programs for our employees.

One of our tools that we frequently use in Macon, Charleston and in Savannah is a push pier. The push pier was designed for us, by our engineers specifically to be used in the sand, clay, and dirt around footers of buildings. Push piers permanently stabilize homes from further sinking, in most cases the system allows our crew to lift the entire foundation.

The push pier system works by hydraulically pushing galvanized steel tube sections straight into the ground. Our team leaders monitor and record the hydraulic pressure needed to force the tubes into the ground, while ensuring the tube section are being driven straight, not at an angle.

After the tube sections reach a depth that can support the foundation of the home, the tubes are attached to a galvanized steel bracket which is attached to the footer of the home or building. Lowcountry Basement Systems uses Zinc plated coil rods and nuts to attach the tubes to the bracket. These parts and pieces were designed by our team of engineers in Omaha. Zinc was incorporated into the design, said one of the engineers, because it protects the coils and nuts from rusting allowing us to provide a 25-year warranty from further settlement.

Advantages of our push pier system include:

1. System reaches greater depths than other options
2. Does not require use of heavy equipment
3. Galvanized system will not rust
4. Below grade solution concealed from sight
5. Can often lift foundation back toward level position

Step by Step process of Push Pier Installation:

Step 1: The foundation repair crew from Lowcountry Basement Systems removes soil from the area where the inspector recommended installing the push pier. The crew ensures the footing of the building is exposed. 

Step 2: The bracket is attached to the footer.

Step 3: The piering tubes are hydraulically pushed into the soil. The team leader documents the number of tubes used and pressures achieved.

Step 4: The final tube is pushed and attached to the bracket.

Step 5: The load of the home is moved to the push pier.

Step 6: Additional hydraulic pressure is applied to the pier, if possible, to lift the foundation.

Lowcountry Basement Systems has helped hundreds of people with this proven system. For a free inspection of your foundation, give us a call 1-888-520-0550. We would be happy to send one our inspectors to your home.