Hydrostatic pressure refers to the pressures caused by water pushing against slabs and foundations, particularly underground concrete block or poured concrete walls of foundation and crawlspaces. Water is dense and weighs about 60 lbs. per cubic foot of volume and is therefore capable of generating immense hydrostatic pressure on anything that restricts its natural movement or flow.

A crack that forms a V-shape may indicate heaving. The illustration above shows a V-shape open crack in a foundation wall indicating heaving from the ground under the foundation footing. The ground in the illustration is expanding and pushing upward on the footing and foundation, causing a crack. This observation by a home inspector would be reported as a major structural concern and defect with correction and further evaluation & repair by a licensed foundation contractor or structural engineer

inspectors should look for and note: