- 1). Locate the settled pier. Set one screw-style jack on a flat cinder block paver on each side of the pier so that it is centered under the beam running off the pier in both directions.
- 2). Raise the jacks until they touch the bottom face of the beam. Raise each jack one turn at a time until the beam lifts slightly on top of the pier. Lock the jacks in position. The procedure will vary from jack to jack. Typically there is a screw-in bolt located on the jack that locks it in position. Turn the bolt clockwise until tight.
- 3). Dig down on all four sides of the pier with a spade. If the pier is on an outside wall, you may be able to use a full-size spade, which is easier. If you are unable to use a full-size spade, use a short-handled trenching spade. Dig down on all sides, removing the dirt from the hole. Keep the hole as close to the pier as possible.
- 4). Remove dirt from around the pier and all the way down to the bottom of the pier. Choose one side to access the space under the footing from and dig that side out more. From this one side, dig underneath the pier to remove the soil as required. Depending on the repair being made, you may need to make enough room for a pier jack or to pour concrete underneath. Continue removing dirt until you have enough room to make the necessary repairs.
- 5). Leave the jacks in place under the beam until the pier has been stabilized. Lower the jacks slowly until the weight is back on the pier solidly, then remove the jacks. Replace and tamp the soil firmly around the pier to help hold it in place.
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