Key takeaways
- Karst is limestone that dissolves, leaving voids, caves and sinkholes.
- Water from leaks, runoff and storms can trigger a collapse.
- Do not fill a sinkhole with random material, and call for an evaluation.
What karst is
Much of Middle and East Tennessee sits on limestone. Slightly acidic rain and groundwater slowly dissolve it, leaving cracks, caves and soil-filled voids. The result is a landscape of springs, caves and sinkholes.
Most features are stable for lifetimes, but water can change that.
Early signs
Look for small depressions, cracks in the ground, fence posts or trees leaning, drainage that disappears into a hole and cracks in the foundation near them. A sudden hole or settling after heavy rain or a broken pipe is serious.
Keep people, pets and vehicles away from any new depression.
What to do
Divert water away from the area, shut off any leaking pipes and call for an inspection. Probing and, where needed, specialists define the void. Stabilization uses grouting, caps or plugs and piers, and drainage so water does not wash soil down again.
A hole filled with dirt can reopen, so it should be repaired properly.
Related services
Quick answers
Are all Tennessee homes at risk?
Risk depends on the local geology. Many areas have karst, and a site evaluation can tell you more about a specific lot.
Does homeowner insurance cover sinkholes?
Coverage varies, and many standard policies cover only catastrophic ground collapse. Ask your agent about sinkhole coverage.
Ready to talk it through? Get a free estimate or call 615-209-7643.