How Much Do Retaining Wall Repairs Cost? [2025 Data]

A home's retaining wall provides important protection against erosion and soil instability. Over time, constant pressure and weather-related wear and tear can cause problems. To fix a retaining wall, most homeowners pay around $700. However, retaining wall repair cost can range from $450 to $950. Keep reading to learn everything that goes into the cost of repairing a retaining wall as you budget for the project.

Retaining Wall Cost Factors

Retaining walls are generally built custom for a yard's terrain and soil conditions, so repair costs can be unique to a property. Here are the major factors impacting how much you'll pay to repair a damaged retaining wall.

Type of Repair

From superficial damage to structural shifts, retaining walls can undergo a wide range of changes over the years that require attention.

Efflorescence

Efflorescence is a white residue that crawls along a retaining wall's surface. With efflorescence on a stone wall being caused by water that's carrying salt, it's important to address the moisture source. In many cases, installing a moisture barrier on the wall's backside and installing a drain system to keep water from the surface of the wall will solve the problem. In general, this can be done for a cost of $220 to $500. Cleaning a retaining wall with water and vinegar or applying water repellents or coatings costing $18 to $35 can address superficial or minor efflorescence.

Leaking or Seeping

If a retaining wall is subject to constant leaks or seepage, the solution may be to add drainage and ventilation that allow water to pass through in a controlled way. If you choose to solve the problem using drainage pipes, expect to pay $50 to $80 per square foot of piping. When adding weep holes by drilling through the retaining wall, the cost is $60 to $75 per square foot. If additional backfill is needed to help with drainage, the cost generally runs from $6 to $25 per cubic yard.

Cracking and Crumbling

If a retaining wall shows signs of cracking and crumbling, straightening and reinforcement may be needed. If a professional recommends thickening the base of the wall by adding new concrete and mortar, the price may range from $60 to $90 per square foot.

Shifted Foundation

On average, repairing a shifting or unstable retaining wall foundation will require anchoring at a cost of $60 to $80 per square foot. Thickening the foundation by applying new mortar and concrete can cost an additional $60 to $90 per square foot. Depending on the extent of the foundation damage, backfill and excavation work could bring the cost of thickening the base to $95 to $115 per square foot. If new footings need to be added to secure the wall, expect to pay between $18 and $50 per linear foot for materials and installation.

Bowing or Leaning

Anchoring is often recommended when a retaining wall is leaning forward. The most efficient way to add anchoring is to drive large rods through the wall that will be attached to an anchor. Steel rebar used to reinforce a retaining wall foundation generally costs $2.50 to $5 per square foot. Correcting a bowing or leaning retaining wall overall generally costs $65 to $85 per square foot.

Material

Just like prices can vary by material when building a new retaining wall, prices also differ by material when it comes to repairs. From the difficulty of repairing certain types of stones compared to others to replacement costs for damaged stones, stone types weigh into this project's final cost.

Labor

On average, masonry pros and landscaping contractors charge anywhere from $50 to $109 per hour for retaining wall repairs. In general, costs reflect a wall's size and accessibility. For repairs related to severe foundation issues or retaining wall failure, your contractor may recommend bringing in a structural engineer to answer some retaining wall questions at an average cost of $100 to $220 per hour.

Permits

In most cases, permits are only required if you intend to dramatically change the footprint or design of an existing retaining wall. In most cities, retaining walls under 4 feet in height are exempt from permits. On average, permits for large-scale retaining wall repair projects can cost between $50 and $200.

Retaining Wall Repair vs. Replacement

With the average cost to build a retaining wall ranging from $3,203 to $9,208, the cost to fix a leaning retaining wall can be significantly cheaper and easier compared to hiring a pro to build a retaining wall from scratch or learning how to build a retaining wall yourself. When comparing the cost to repair versus replacing a retaining wall, homeowners should factor in demolition and removal costs ranging from $10 to $20 per linear foot that add up to $2,200 to $4,500 on average for most projects.

For most homeowners, repairing a retaining wall is a better and more cost-effective option if the wall is capable of sustaining the repairs needed. In addition, repairing is the right route if repairs are at least 75% to 50% less expensive compared to a new build. If the old wall is unsalvageable, it's wise to get it replaced as soon as possible to prevent severe erosion or sloping. Signs that a retaining wall is unsalvageable or not worth saving include shallow footings, lack of weep holes, significant leaning, and wide cracks. If you do choose to replace the wall, the existing one should not be removed without another stabilization plan in place.

DIY Repair a Retaining Wall vs. Hiring a Pro

For small tasks that can include patching using concrete patching compounds on small holes or sealing a stone retaining wall, homeowners can often handle minor repairs for under $100. However, structural and drainage issues with retaining walls should be left to professionals. With a single retaining wall block weighing anywhere from 20 pounds to 100 pounds, repairs come with the risk of injury. In addition, improper repairs can worsen erosion and cause hill collapses or mudslides that impact both your property and your neighbor's yard. Call retaining wall installers near you to get estimates for this project.

Tips to Reduce Costs While Repairing a Retaining Wall

In order to maximize your budget for retaining wall repair costs, prioritize labor costs to ensure that work is being done by licensed professionals who can get the task done right the first time. Here are some ways to free up more funds in the project budget without sacrificing quality:

• Search for at least three to four quotes from different contractors.

• When collecting quotes, make sure a pro sees your wall in person to avoid any surprise costs that aren't factored in from the start.

• If parts of your wall need new materials, choose a cost-effective option like cinder blocks or block stone.

• If fencing, shrubbery, or overgrowth are making parts of a retaining wall inaccessible, clear them away before contractors arrive to reduce prep costs.

How Angi Gets Its Cost Data

Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects. 

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