How Does Mudjacking Work?
Mudjacking (also called slabjacking or concrete lifting) is a non-invasive method of raising a sunken concrete slab without excavation. Here is the complete process.
The Process: Drilling, Injecting, and Finishing
Step 1 — Drilling: the contractor drills a series of 1.5 to 2-inch diameter holes in a grid pattern through the slab, positioned over the void areas beneath the concrete. For a 10×10-foot sunken panel: typically 4 to 6 holes. Step 2 — Slurry preparation: a mixture of Portland cement, water, and soil (or sand) is mixed to a pumpable consistency — the specific mix varies by contractor and site conditions. Step 3 — Injection: the slurry is pumped under pressure through the drilled holes, filling the void beneath the slab and exerting hydraulic pressure against the slab’s underside. The contractor monitors the slab elevation as the slurry is injected, stopping when the slab has been raised to the desired height. Step 4 — Finishing: the drilled holes are filled with a concrete plug (patched flush with the slab surface). The contractor allows the slurry to cure (several hours before foot traffic, 24 to 48 hours before vehicle traffic). Step 5 — Site cleanup: the contractor removes the mixing equipment and any slurry spillage from the adjacent surface. (For more on this, see Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Concrete Leveling Contractor.)
What Mudjacking Cannot Do
Mudjacking raises a slab but does not: repair the cause of the original settling (that is a separate drainage, soil, or plumbing repair), restore the original flatness of a slab that has cracked and settled unevenly (each fractured section must be lifted separately, and the fractures remain), or guarantee that the slab will not re-settle if the underlying cause has not been addressed.
Working With a Contractor on This Project
Getting the right outcome on any home services project starts before the work begins. A few consistent practices make the difference between a smooth project and a frustrating one.
Get at least two or three quotes. A single quote gives you no basis for comparison. Two or three quotes reveal the market rate for the work, expose scope differences between bidders, and let you assess contractor communication quality before any commitment is made. The lowest bid is not automatically the best value if the scope is thin or the materials are underspecified.
Ask for licenses and insurance before work starts. Verify current general liability insurance and, for any work involving workers on your property, workers compensation coverage. Licensing requirements vary by state and trade; confirm the specific requirements in your jurisdiction. A licensed contractor who carries appropriate insurance protects both parties if something goes wrong during the project. (For more on this, see Questions to Ask a Concrete Leveling Contractor.)
Get the scope in writing. A written proposal that specifies materials, labor scope, timeline, what is included (permits, cleanup, disposal), and warranty terms is the foundation of a professional engagement. Verbal agreements on any of these points invite misunderstanding. For any project over $500, written scope is non-negotiable.
Clarify the payment schedule upfront. A reasonable payment schedule ties major payments to project milestones: a deposit at signing, a payment at material delivery or project start, and a final payment at completion after a walkthrough confirms satisfaction. A contractor who requires full payment upfront before work begins is a red flag in any trade.
Making a Confident Decision
The information in this article is designed to help you ask better questions of the professionals you work with, evaluate their answers with more confidence, and understand the decisions involved in this type of home services project. It is not a substitute for professional assessment of your specific home.
Every home is different. Roof slopes, local weather, tree exposure, soil conditions, and existing system condition all affect what the right solution is for your specific situation. The general principles here apply broadly, but a professional who assesses your home in person will give you guidance that accounts for the details that general articles cannot.
When you are ready to move forward, getting at least two or three quotes from licensed, insured, local contractors is the most important practical step. It lets you compare approaches, assess contractor quality, and confirm that the solution proposed matches your specific situation and budget.
Concrete Leveling Cost at a Glance
| Cost Factor | Typical Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Small area (single section) | $500 to $1,000 | |
| Larger area (multiple sections) | $900 to $3,500 | Multiple slabs, a full driveway, or a patio; mudjacking sits at the low end and foam injection at the top |
| Severe settling | $2,500 to $5,000 | Deep lifts, poor access, or foam across a large slab, where the worst jobs run past $6,000 |
| Overall range | $500 to $5,000 | , averaging $1,400 for a moderate repair |
Cost figures on this page were checked against published pricing on August 29, 2026. How we source cost data.