House remodeling: Adding a second story or fireplace or any other change which increases the load upon the piers may cause the piers to sink. Piers are normally spaced in accordance with the expected load. Adding house weight may require that additional piers be installed.

Stream beds: The Dallas area used to have many more rolling hills and streams than are apparent today. Builders have filled the streams with loosely compacted soil. The stream bed can remain active, even though subterranean, and erode soil under a pier.

Inadequate watering or over watering: Inadequate watering allows the soil to shrink away from a foundation, while over watering causes the soil under a foundation to turn to mud. Both situations put excessive loading on the piers.

Soaker hoses: These are fine when placed 12-18 inches from the slab. When placed closer, the water pours down along the side of the perimeter beam, turning soil at the base of the foundation perimeter beam to mud and putting undue stress on the area of foundation repair.

General Erosion: This may be caused by poor drainage, or by a plumbing leak in a neighbor's house, or a change to landscaping which alters the flow of water.

Trees: Trees should be planted at least 1/2 the height of their mature canopy away from foundation. Plant the trees closer and during periods of drought the roots will suck moisture from under the house, causing soil slumping and creating the need for foundation repair.