Sinkholes are a homeowner’s nightmare as they can cause significant damage to properties. Identifying a sinkhole early on is crucial to prevent further damage and ensure the safety of your If you live in Florida or Georgia, you’ve probably heard of sinkholes. They can cause big problems fast—especially if one starts forming under your house. Knowing what to look for early on can save you time, stress, and money.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through the early sinkhole warning signs to watch out for, plus what to do if you think your home might be at risk. Whether you’re a homeowner or a landlord, these signs are important to know.
What Is a Sinkhole?
Let’s start with the basics—what exactly is a sinkhole?
A sinkhole is a hole or depression that forms in the ground when the layer of rock or soil beneath the surface breaks down or washes away. Over time, this creates an empty space underground. Eventually, the ground on top doesn’t have enough support, and it starts to sink or collapse into the space below. Sometimes this happens slowly, but in other cases, the ground can give way suddenly.
How Do Sinkholes Form?
Most sinkholes form naturally, and water is usually the main cause. In areas with limestone or other soft rock, like Florida and parts of Georgia, rainwater or groundwater can seep down into the ground and slowly dissolve the rock underneath. As the rock wears away, it leaves behind a gap—or a “void.” Eventually, the top layer of soil caves in, creating a hole.
This process can take years without anyone noticing. But once the surface becomes weak enough, it might sink all at once, which can cause major damage to homes, driveways, roads, and yards.
Are Sinkholes Dangerous?
Yes, sinkholes can be very dangerous, especially when they form underneath buildings or roads. Even a small sinkhole can cause cracks in a home’s foundation, damage plumbing, or make the ground unstable. Larger sinkholes can swallow up entire sections of a house or property in just seconds.
But not all sinkholes are huge or dramatic. Some are small and develop slowly. That’s why it’s so important to know the early sinkhole warning signs—so you can spot the problem before it becomes serious.
Why Are Sinkholes So Common in Florida and Georgia?
Sinkholes happen more often in places with a type of ground known as “karst terrain.” This means the ground is made of soft, porous rocks like limestone, gypsum, or salt beds that dissolve easily in water. Florida is full of limestone, and it’s also a state with a lot of rain and underground water movement—so it’s the perfect setup for sinkholes to form.
In Georgia, certain regions also have similar underground conditions, especially in the southern and central parts of the state. If you own a home in either Florida or Georgia, it’s a good idea to be familiar with the warning signs.
Can You Prevent a Sinkhole?
Unfortunately, most sinkholes are caused by natural processes deep underground, so it’s hard to prevent them completely. However, there are a few things you can do to reduce the risk:
- Pay attention to changes around your home – Cracks, dips, or shifting ground may be early signs.
- Fix drainage issues – Make sure water flows away from your home and doesn’t pool in one spot.
- Be cautious with well drilling or construction – These can sometimes disturb the underground layers.
If you live in a known sinkhole area, it’s also worth checking with your insurance company to see if your policy includes sinkhole coverage.
What Happens if a Sinkhole Appears on Your Property?
If you notice a sinkhole forming—or see signs that one might be starting—don’t ignore it. Small issues can turn into big ones fast. You should:
- Avoid walking near the hole or soft ground.
- Take photos and keep notes of what you see.
- Call a professional to inspect the area.
- Let your insurance company know as soon as possible.
And if you’re facing expensive repairs or need to sell the property quickly, companies like Golex Properties can help by buying your home as-is, even with sinkhole concerns.
1. Cracks in Your Walls, Floors, or Foundation
Small cracks in a house can be normal, especially as a home settles over time. But when new cracks start showing up—and they keep getting bigger or appear in more than one spot—that’s when it’s time to pay attention. These cracks could be one of the early sinkhole warning signs.
Where should you look?
- Inside your home, check your drywall for cracks, especially if they look like stair steps going up or across the wall.
- On your floors, especially tile or concrete, notice if cracks appear or spread over time.
- Along your foundation, walk around the outside of your house and check for cracks in the concrete or brick.
- Where walls meet the ceiling or floor, gaps or uneven seams may show up if the structure is shifting.
What do these cracks mean?
If the ground under your home starts to sink or move, it puts uneven pressure on your house. That pressure causes the materials—like drywall, tile, and concrete—to crack or pull apart. If you’re noticing new cracks, especially in different areas of the house, it might not just be settling—it could be a sign the ground underneath is unstable.
Should you fix the cracks?
Fixing them without understanding the cause won’t help much. If there’s a sinkhole forming, the cracks will likely come back. That’s why it’s smart to check for other signs too, and if needed, call in a professional.
2. Doors and Windows That Won’t Close Right
Ever try to close a door and it suddenly scrapes the floor or won’t latch like it used to? Or maybe a window that used to slide smoothly now sticks and feels crooked?
These changes might seem small, but they can actually be one of the first early sinkhole warning signs.
Why does this happen?
When the foundation under your home starts to shift, it causes small changes in the shape of door and window frames. Even a slight tilt can cause a door or window to jam or appear off-balance.
How do you know it’s not just humidity or age?
It’s common in Florida and Georgia for wood to swell a little during humid months, which can make doors harder to close. But if this happens suddenly or along with other signs—like cracks in the wall or uneven floors—it might be something more serious.
What should you look for?
- Doors that won’t shut without force or pop open on their own
- Windows that stick or feel uneven when opening
- Frames that look out of square or are pulling away from the wall
If more than one door or window is acting up, that’s a stronger signal that something under your home may be shifting.
3. Soft Spots or Low Areas in the Yard
Take a stroll through your yard after it rains. If you start to notice new dips in the lawn, squishy patches, or areas that seem lower than before, don’t ignore them.
Why does this matter?
Sinkholes often start underground, where water slowly erodes the soil or limestone. As the space beneath the surface gets bigger, the ground above can sink—creating dips, soft spots, or even holes.
What should you look for?
- New depressions in your yard, especially near the foundation
- Wet or muddy areas that don’t dry out like the rest of the yard
- Soil that feels spongy or softer than normal when you walk on it
Can this happen even if there’s no hole?
Yes! A sinkhole doesn’t always start with a big opening. It can begin as a hidden void underground. These soft or sunken spots are often the first clue that something’s going on beneath your property.
4. Leaning or Tilting Outside Structures
Look at the things in your yard that are supposed to stand straight up—like fences, sheds, or trees. If you notice that one side of your fence is leaning, or your shed is starting to tilt, it might be more than just wear and tear.
What does this mean?
If the ground below part of your yard is sinking, anything sitting on that ground will start to lean or shift too. It’s like trying to balance something on a rug that’s slowly being pulled away—it eventually tips.
Watch for changes in:
- Fence posts leaning or falling out of line
- Trees or bushes that look like they’re tilting
- Sheds or patios sloping in one direction
- Mailboxes leaning more than they used to
Is it just settling?
While some settling can happen naturally over time, a sudden change or multiple things tilting in the same direction could be an early sinkhole warning sign.
5. Plumbing Problems or Water Pooling
If your plumbing suddenly starts acting up—slow drains, gurgling toilets, or strange water puddles in the yard—it might not be just a clog. It could be a sign that the ground under your home is moving.
What can happen?
Sinkholes can break or shift underground pipes. This leads to leaks, changes in water pressure, and even soil erosion, which can make the problem worse.
Things to watch for:
- Multiple drains in your house slowing down
- Wet spots in the yard with no clear reason
- A sudden increase in your water bill
- Cracks in outdoor pipes or sewer smells
Should you call a plumber?
Yes—but also consider calling someone to inspect the soil if plumbing problems come with other warning signs. Fixing the pipe won’t help much if the ground beneath it is still shifting.
6. Water Disappearing from Nearby Lakes or Ponds
This one might seem strange, but it’s a real warning sign. If you live near a pond, canal, or lake and the water suddenly starts dropping—even when it hasn’t rained in a while—it could be draining into a hidden sinkhole.
How does that affect you?
If a sinkhole forms near a body of water, it can drain water underground, creating a bigger hole and affecting nearby properties. Even if it’s not right under your house, it can lead to larger underground changes that put your home at risk.
What to look for:
- Water levels dropping suddenly or without cause
- New muddy areas or bubbling near the edge of the water
- Cracks or dips forming along the shoreline
If this happens and you’re also seeing cracks or other problems on your property, it’s worth taking seriously.
7. Signs of a Sinkhole Under Your House
This is the scariest one—and the one you really don’t want to ignore. If a sinkhole is forming directly beneath your house, you’ll usually start to see several warning signs at once. These can show up quickly and get worse fast.
Serious signs to watch for:
- Cracks in your foundation that keep spreading
- Floors that feel bouncy, uneven, or sag in certain areas
- Loud cracking or popping noises at night when the house is quiet
- Furniture, appliances, or pictures that slowly lean or tilt on their own
What does it mean?
If these things are happening, it’s possible the soil under your home is no longer stable. This can lead to serious damage, including parts of your home sinking or breaking apart.
What should you do?
Don’t try to fix it yourself. Contact a professional to inspect the property. You may also want to call your insurance company, especially if you live in a sinkhole-prone area.
What to Do If You See Early Sinkhole Warning Signs
If you think you might have a sinkhole problem, don’t panic—but do take action:
- Take photos or videos – This helps track the changes and could be useful if you file a claim.
- Stay safe – Avoid walking near any soft ground or cracks.
- Call a professional – A geotechnical engineer can inspect your property.
- Contact your insurance company – Some policies cover sinkholes, especially in Florida.
- Think about selling your home as-is – If repairs are too expensive or you’re ready to move on, a fast cash sale might be a better choice.
Selling a Home with Sinkhole Damage? We Can Help.
If you’re dealing with sinkhole issues or other property problems, Golex Properties is here to make things easier. We buy homes in as-is condition—cracks, damage, and all.
Whether you’re in Florida or Georgia, we can close fast, even if your home has tenants or needs repairs. No agents. No fees. Just a simple, professional process from start to finish.
Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
Knowing the early sinkhole warning signs can help you take action before the damage gets worse. If you’ve seen the signs of a sinkhole under your house, now is the time to plan your next steps.If you’re ready to sell quickly and skip the stress of repairs, reach out to Golex Properties today. We’ll give you a fair cash offer and handle the rest—so you can move forward with confidence.