Plumbing Leaks: Localized swelling of the soil and uplifting of the foundation occurs due to dripping fresh water or sewage pipes. When left unattended, the moisture will cause the need for foundation repairs.

Soil Compaction: Builders sometimes fail to adequately compact the soil. Poorly compacted areas provide inadequate foundation support, leading to foundation failure.

Retainer Wall Movement: Both wood and concrete brick or rock retainer walls can fail, either by collapsing, or simply moving away from a house. When this happens, soil may drop away from the foundation.

Inadequate Building Codes for Foundation Construction: Texas and specifically the Dallas Fort Worth residential foundation building codes have traditionally been deficient in preventing the need for foundation repair and house leveling. Irving was one of the first Texas cities to establish a building code to mandate a departure from slab on grade concrete foundations to the equivalent of pier and beam construction using concrete in the place of wood. The concrete slab is literally elevated above the ground using piers or pilings installed to bedrock. For older buildings, Steel piers, helical piers or concrete pilings should be installed to provide adequate foundation support and repair.