Phoenix

Helical piles in Phoenix, Arizona

Phoenix sits in the low desert, where the foundation trouble comes from dry soils that react to water rather than from frost. The Arizona Geological Survey describes expansive clays that swell and shrink and collapsible soils that compact suddenly when wetted. Parts of the Phoenix area have also seen land subsidence and earth fissures from groundwater pumping.

Phoenix's residential code keeps a 12-inch minimum footing depth, so soil strength, not frost, usually sets pier depth. Common jobs include repairs after irrigation leaks, patio covers and ramadas, and ground-mount solar.

Helical pile companies serving Phoenix

2 companies in our directory are based in Phoenix. Check service areas and ask each for engineered designs.

• Ram Jack of Arizona: offers helical and driven piles within foundation repair, commercial deep foundation, shoring and ground improvement.
• Dalinghaus Foundation Repair: installs helical piles for new construction and helical and push piers for repair, along with underpinning and tieback anchors.

Costs and what to ask

The Arizona guide cites HomeGuide, which puts a typical installed helical pier at about $2,000 to $4,000. Arizona prices depend on how deep piers must go to get through problem soil and on access around the structure. For more, see our helical pier cost guide.

Ask each bidder to quote the same pier count and depth assumptions for Phoenix, so the numbers compare fairly. The design should address collapsible or expansive soil and any nearby earth fissures, and a bid that skips engineering deserves a follow-up question. Keep the permit, design and torque records with your home file, since they matter at resale.

• Who is the engineer of record, and did the design account for collapsible or expansive soil and any nearby earth fissures?
• Will you record installation torque for every pile and give me the logs?
• What shaft size and galvanizing or corrosion protection do you use for Phoenix conditions?
• Who pulls the Phoenix permit, and what warranty covers the work?

For wider coverage, see Arizona helical pile installers.