Mailbox post leaning or falling over — San Francisco, California

A leaning or fallen mailbox post is one of the most common curb-appeal problems homeowners face, and it affects both appearance and mail delivery — USPS carriers may stop delivering if the box is inaccessible or poses a safety risk. The most frequent cause is the wooden 4×4 post rotting at ground level where moisture and soil contact accelerate decay. Frost heave in cold climates can push the post out of alignment over several freeze-thaw cycles. Impact damage from snowplows, vehicles, or even repeated minor bumps from passing cars is another common culprit. Loose gravel fill instead of concrete footings allows the post to wobble progressively until it leans. A handyman can reset the existing post if it is structurally sound by digging out the old footing, adding fresh gravel for drainage and new concrete, and plumbing the post level. If the wood has rotted below ground, the post needs replacing — a pressure-treated 4×4 set 24–36 inches deep in concrete ($100–$300 for materials and labor) typically lasts 15–20 years. Upgrading to a metal post sleeve or composite post adds durability. The entire job usually takes 1–3 hours.