Thinking about lifting your own sunken concrete with mudjacking? While it is possible, it’s not as easy as it might sound.
While many homeowners are tempted to DIY mudjacking, we know the process is tricky, requires specialized tools, and comes with risks.
This guide gives you the full picture: the tools you’ll need, the exact process, the risks, and the alternatives to consider before you start drilling into your slab.
Yes, you can DIY mudjacking with the right tools, mixture, and patience. But without training and professional equipment, the risks of cracking or over-lifting are high. For most homeowners, hiring a professional concrete leveling service is the safer, longer-lasting, and often more cost-effective choice.
Can You DIY Mudjacking?
Yes, mudjacking can be done as a DIY project. Homeowners can rent a grout pump, drill holes into the slab, and inject a mud mixture to lift the concrete.
However:
- Grout pumps aren’t easy to find and are not designed specifically for concrete leveling.
- The mud mix must be carefully controlled. Too thick and it won’t pump, too thin and it won’t lift.
- Precision matters; incorrect hole placement or pumping too quickly can break and/or over-lift the slab.
That’s why most experts recommend leaving it to professionals. But if you’re determined, here’s what it takes.
Tools Needed for DIY Mudjacking
Hydraulic Grout Pump
- Pumps the mudjacking mixture under the slab.
Hammer Drill
- Needed to drill 2–2.5” holes through the slab.
- Hammer drills combine hammering and rotating action, making them effective for drilling through concrete. A coring drill with a diamond bit is an alternative.
Mudjacking Mixture
- Options include premade bagged mudjacking compound from concrete suppliers, or a DIY mix of soil, sand, and water.
- Portland cement can be added for strength, but it sets fast, which risks setting up on equipment and clogging the pump.
DIY Mudjacking Process: Step by Step
1. Make a Plan for the Lift
- Evaluate how far the slab has sunk and where support is needed.
- Professionals often measure the void depth before pumping to determine how much mudjacking mixture will be required to lift the concrete.
2. Drill Holes in the Slab
- Use a hammer or core drill with a carbide or diamond bit.
- Holes are usually 2–2.5” across, but this will depend on your pumping equipment.
- Placement matters – too close to slab edges and cracks may form.
3. Create the Mudjacking Mixture
- Mix soil, sand, and water (or use premade compound).
- Aim for a consistency that is thin enough to flow through the pump but thick enough to build pressure under the slab.
4. Lift the Slab
- Add the mudjacking mix into the hopper and insert the pump hose into a drill hole.
- Slowly pump the mixture beneath the slab.
- Move between holes multiple times for an even lift.
Pro Tip: Go slowly, as it’s easy to overlift the slab. You can always add more material, but you can’t take it out once injected.
5. Cut the Slab
- Sometimes slabs catch on each other during lifting, which can cause breakage if not addressed.
- Carefully cut away the portion of the slabs that are stuck on one another with a concrete saw to allow them to move freely again.
6. Patch the Drill Holes
- Fill the drill holes with non-shrink grout, ideally color-matched.
- Adding sand or aggregate can help blend patches.
7. Caulk Cracks and Joints
- Settlement is often caused by water infiltration and erosion over time.
- Use flexible concrete caulk to seal joints and prevent water from re-eroding the base and causing the concrete to sink again.
Other DIY Mudjacking Methods
While we do not recommend the following methods due to safety concerns, some homeowners have tried:
- Using car jacks or pry bars to lift slabs and packing sand underneath.
- Sliding boards or wood planks under slabs and filling the void with soil.
- Injecting canned spray foam beneath concrete (different from professional polyurethane foam).
These methods are risky, often lead to uneven results, and more likely to cause cracks or injuries.
DIY Mudjacking Risks
- Cracking – Improper drilling, hole placement, or uneven lifting can break slabs.
- Over-Lifting – Once the mudjacking mix is in, it can’t be removed. A slab lifted too high may need replacement.
- Incomplete Void Fill – If the mixture doesn’t reach all voids, the slab can settle again.
Alternatives to DIY Mudjacking
Professional Concrete Leveling
Stone slurry grout and foam leveling provide longer-lasting and more precise results.
Grinding
Grinding can be an affordable way to remove small trip hazards but it weakens slabs and leaves patchy finishes.
Adding Additional Concrete
Adding concrete over sunken slabs creates a temporary patch that will likely chip and flake off.
Should You Do Mudjacking Yourself?
While it’s possible, DIY mudjacking is rarely recommended. The complexity, cost of equipment, and risk of slab damage usually outweigh the potential savings.
Still Deciding?
Frequently Asked Questions
Is DIY mudjacking cheaper?
DIY mudjacking is not always cheaper. By the time you rent equipment and buy materials, it may cost nearly as much as hiring a pro, without the guarantee of success.
How long does DIY mudjacking last?
DIY mudjacking will likely not last long due to improper void-fill. Professional methods can last the life of the slab when combined with proper maintenance.
What’s the safest DIY option?
Grinding or patching are safer, low-cost fixes for small uneven slabs, but they’re often considered temporary fixes.
