Patio pavers sinking or uneven — Los Angeles, California
Patio pavers that have sunk, shifted, or become uneven are usually caused by a poorly compacted or eroded base layer underneath. When the gravel-and-sand base settles unevenly — from water washing away sand through the joints, poor drainage directing water under the patio, tree roots pushing from below, or simply insufficient compaction during original installation — individual pavers drop, creating trip hazards and pooling water. The fix depends on the extent: for a few sunken pavers, a landscaper or mason lifts the affected pavers, adds and compacts fresh base material, re-levels the sand bed, and resets the pavers ($200–$800 for a small area). For widespread sinking, the entire patio may need to be lifted and the base re-graded and compacted ($2–$5 per square foot). Adding polymeric sand to the joints after repair prevents future washout. Addressing the drainage issue that caused the erosion is critical — otherwise the pavers will sink again.
Waarom dit veel voorkomt in Los Angeles
Drought-tolerant landscaping and xeriscaping are increasingly required by LA water restrictions. Fire-safe landscaping with defensible space is mandatory in hillside areas, and irrigation system efficiency upgrades are common projects.
Who to call
For this problem in Los Angeles, call a: Hovenier
Vind een Hovenier in Los AngelesSymptoms to look for
- Individual pavers have dropped below the surrounding level, creating uneven edges
- Water pools on the patio surface after rain instead of draining away
- Gaps between pavers have widened — sand has washed out of the joints
- Pavers wobble or rock when stepped on
- A visible slope or dip has developed where the patio was once flat
Spoeddienst in Los Angeles
Emergency services in Los Angeles typically respond within 30–60 minutes during business hours, but traffic can extend response times to 2+ hours across the metro area. After-hours emergency plumbing and electrical services run $125–$250/hour. California law requires contractors to be licensed for work over $500.