Ground slumping – sudden

Causes

Landslip or retaining wall failure

Listed under: timber and wood-based, plumbing, drains, earthquakes, timber, Section, retaining walls, walls, durability, rot

Cause

Landslip or retaining wall failure

Repair

  • be prepared to evacuate if your house is threatened
  • contact your local council if slumping is a result of council drain failure
  • contact the owner of the neighbouring property if the slumping also affects their property or may be the result of earthworks on their property
  • contact a geotechnical engineer (who should be a chartered professional engineer) for advice
  • if you have house insurance, then you automatically have some cover for home and land from the Toka Tū Ake EQC for landslip damage caused by natural disasters including floods and storms. This cover does not include trees or plants, or replacing paths, driveways or tennis courts. Retaining walls are covered in certain cases
  • EQC covers residential land:
    • under your house, sheds and garages
    • within eight metres of these buildings
    • under or supporting your main access way, up to 60 metres from your home
  • EQC settlements for land claims are based on the lower of the cost to repair the land or the value of the damaged land. Claims are settled in cash and the homeowners arrange for the necessary repair work to be done. You can contact EQC up to 2 years after the storm that caused the damage, but it is best to make contact as early as possible

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