Sinkholes are popping up all over California, thanks to the rain. Here’s what to know
A sinkhole is an area of ground that has no natural external surface drainage -- when it rains, all the water stays inside the sinkhole and typically drains into the subsurface. There are several types of sinkholes that can vary from a few feet wide to hundreds of acres and from less than 1 to more than 100 feet deep.
Areas prone to natural sinkholes
The above
These rock types are evaporites (salt, gypsum and anhydrite) and carbonates (limestone and dolomite).
Sinkholes can be human-induced as well. Examples include decaying infrastructure, collapsed mines and abandoned septic tanks.
One type of sinkhole is a cover-collapse sinkhole which can develop abruptly (over a period of hours) and cause catastrophic damage. They occur where the covering sediments contain a significant amount of clay.
Warning signs
In buildings, look for:
* Doors and windows that don't close properly, which can be the result of movement of the building's foundation.
* Structural cracks in walls and floors.
* Muddy or cloudy well water.
On the property, check for:
* Formation of small ponds as rainfall accumulates in new areas.
* Slumping or falling trees or fence posts.
* Previously buried items such as foundations, fence posts and trees becoming exposed as the ground sinks.
* Gullies and areas of bare soil, which are formed as soil is carried towards the sinkhole.
* A circular pattern of ground cracks around the sinking area. Sudden earth cracking should be interpreted as a very serious risk of sinkhole or earth collapse.
* Localized, gradual ground settlement.
* Interrupted plumbing or electrical service to a building or neighborhood due to damaged utility lines.
* Vegetation that wilts and dies as essential water is drawn away by the sinkhole.
Are you covered?
Most homeowners insurance policies do not cover sinkholes in
In
Potholes vs. sinkholes
In
Sources:
___
(c)2019 The Orange County Register (Santa Ana, Calif.)
Visit The Orange County Register (Santa Ana, Calif.) at www.ocregister.com
Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Old Republic Declares Regular First Quarter Cash Dividend Of 20.00 Cents Per Share
Lamont nominates specialist in insurance regulation as Connecticut insurance commissioner
Advisor News
Annuity News
Health/Employee Benefits News
Life Insurance News