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Case Study: Push Piers Stabilize a Leaning Chimney in Florence, SC

push pier installed under a chimney

A tilting chimney was identified during a routine home inspection for a real estate transaction in Florence, SC, raising concerns about potential foundation issues. The seller’s agent required a swift and effective solution to address the issue before finalizing the sale.

Mount Valley Foundation Services, a Groundworks Company serving the Columbia, SC, area, proposed installing two push piers to stabilize the chimney and address the underlying foundation problem. This approach provided a long-term solution while minimizing disruption to the property.

The chimney was stabilized, ensuring the structural integrity of the home and resolving a key issue that could have hindered the real estate transaction. The seller’s agent was able to move forward with confidence, knowing the property was in good condition for the new owners.


The Challenge

  • Leaning chimney
  • Selling the home

The Solution

  • Push piers

The Impact

  • Stabilized chimney
  • Enhanced home value and safety

Before Foundation Repair:

leaning chimney

Potential Safety and Selling Concern

For most people, purchasing a home is the largest investment they’ll ever make. Thorough inspections are critical to uncovering any potential issues before committing to a purchase.

During the inspection of this Florence, SC, home, a slight ½-inch lean in the chimney was identified. While a tilting chimney can sometimes result from the chimney’s own weight, in this case, the problem indicated a more serious issue: foundation settlement and instability. Left unaddressed, the problem could worsen over time, potentially compromising the home’s safety and value.

After Foundation Repair:

push pier installed under a chimney

Installing a Lasting Solution

Upon discovering the issue, Mount Valley Foundation Services quickly met with the seller’s agent to inspect the property and propose a solution. The inspector recommended installing two push piers—which are advanced deep into the ground until reaching load-bearing soil—to stabilize the chimney and prevent further leaning. The inspector provided the seller’s agent with a detailed quote and explanation of the process to share with the homeowner. The repair plan was designed to be completed quickly, ensuring the issue would not delay the sale or burden the future homeowners.

Seeing the Positive Effects

Mount Valley Foundation Services’ quick response and targeted solution ensured the chimney was stabilized before the home changed hands. The push pier installation addressed the foundation problem and prevented further issues, allowing the real estate transaction to proceed smoothly.

Leaning chimneys can signal significant foundation issues, and catching these problems early ensures they can be addressed before they escalate. This repair not only preserved the home’s value but also provided peace of mind to both the seller and the future homeowners.

Other Reviews for Our Foundation Repair Near You

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This company comes highly recommended. The crew from Charleston was very good and professional! Andy,Ryan,Darrin,and Jesse are the best and …

This company comes highly recommended. The crew from Charleston was very good and professional! Andy,Ryan,Darrin,and Jesse are the best and did an excellent job lifting up my foundation and floor repair.

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The follow-up is always the proof of good service. It's pretty hard to get good contractors out here in the middle of nowhere South…

The follow-up is always the proof of good service. It's pretty hard to get good contractors out here in the middle of nowhere South Carolina. When I moved into my home with a slab foundation, the last thing I thought I have to deal with was PVC plumbing pipes being used as foundation supports. Apparently the house had settled, crushing one of the drainage pipes, allowing fresh water to flow into my septic system. The plumber couldn't repair the pipe due to fear of the house sinking more. So I did some research, and chose Mount Valley Services. The work was relatively minimally invasive, and everything looked normal after the support was installed. Flashforward to today, Service Technician Bryan Curtis was able to keep me reassured about the foundation's support by solving the issues I was having with wide gaps under my doors. He had to go full Sherlock Holmes style to do it, but he figured it out, giving me peace of mind, and one less thing to worry about. All of these reports about sinkholes have me paranoid. Thank goodness my house is supported at the bedrock level. Thanks Mount Valley. Highly recommended.

Maurice Brown (Lt. MB)

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Elliot Walz was prompt, courteous, knowledgeable and very polite. Answered all my questions and left me with a proposal with one visit….

Elliot Walz was prompt, courteous, knowledgeable and very polite. Answered all my questions and left me with a proposal with one visit. Great service!

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Barry and Phillip were awesome and very professional. They explained everything thoroughly.

Barry and Phillip were awesome and very professional. They explained everything thoroughly.

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Nathan, Tevin, and Darnell worked hard under my house to install metal beam and three jacks to fix a sunken piling. They also did a great…

Nathan, Tevin, and Darnell worked hard under my house to install metal beam and three jacks to fix a sunken piling. They also did a great job putting French drain around entire perimeter with pump to pump any water out after big rains. Nathan answered all my questions and put me at ease with the process. I would definitely recommend this company and Nathan’s crew!!!

Need Foundation Repair for Your Home?

Foundation problems have a way of surfacing at the most inconvenient times, often during home inspections when real estate transactions hang in the balance. What appears as a minor structural quirk can actually signal serious underlying issues that threaten property value and buyer confidence.

The experienced professionals at Groundworks companies like Mount Valley Foundation Services understand the urgency these situations demand and respond with swift, reliable foundation repair solutions that protect all parties involved. Don’t let foundation issues derail your plans. Contact us today to schedule a free inspection and learn how our repair solutions can secure your property’s stability and value.

Related Resources

Foundation Repair FAQs

A foundation problem happens because of an underlying cause. It’s common for that underlying cause to be something related to the soil underneath the foundation, which can easily extend into the rest of the foundation. For example, if your foundation is settling because water is eroding the soil underneath the foundation, you may have excess water running through the soil on the property. That can also erode the soil underneath concrete in other areas of the property, leading to overarching foundation concerns you need to address.

Foundation settlement can be a serious concern, as it may lead to significant structural damage if not addressed promptly. How serious? That depends on factors like how long the issues have been going on. Neglecting foundation issues results in visible structural damage and potential safety risks for the home’s occupants. Contact an expert for an inspection to assess the status of your home’s foundation.

Groundworks’ solutions are made to last long-term. When you have your foundation repaired by us, it comes with a lifetime warranty of the home. This warranty is transferrable to new homeowners should you decide to sell your house.