Sunken Block Paving Repairs – Dips, Ruts & Puddles

What does a sunken area repair involve?

Sunken block paving is an area that has dropped below the surrounding surface, often as wheel ruts where cars turn, a dip near a manhole or drain, or a hollow where water sits after rain. The blocks themselves are usually fine; the problem is underneath.

Common causes are a sub-base that was too thin or not compacted, a laying course that was too thick, water washing sand out through a broken drain, or a trench that was never properly filled. Re-levelling means lifting the blocks in and around the dip, finding and fixing the cause, rebuilding and compacting the layers, and relaying the same blocks so they match.

What is included?

Investigation of the cause (drain, sub-base, laying course, edging)
Blocks lifted, cleaned and stacked for re-use
Sub-base dug out and rebuilt where it has failed
New laying course screeded to the correct level and falls
Same blocks relaid, re-jointed and compacted

Which options are there?

Re-level only

Where the sand bed has moved but the base is sound.

Rebuild base

Where the sub-base has failed under the dip.

Drain repair first

Where a broken pipe or gully is washing material away.

How much does a sunken area repair cost?

UK guide price£300–£1,200 inc VATIncluding VAT at 20%

The price depends on the size, the access and what is needed underneath, so it is confirmed after the survey. Extras are listed separately on your quote.

Region	Guide price inc VAT
London	£360–£1,450
South East	£320–£1,300
East of England	£320–£1,250
South West	£300–£1,200
West Midlands	£300–£1,200
East Midlands	£300–£1,200
North West	£300–£1,200
Yorkshire and the Humber	£270–£1,100
North East	£270–£1,100
Wales	£280–£1,100
Scotland	£300–£1,200
Northern Ireland	£285–£1,150

Guide figures checked 9 November 2026. Your written quote after the survey is the price you pay. See the full price list or try the guide price tool.

Is a sunken area repair right for you?

Good for

Wheel ruts and dips
Puddles that sit for days
Areas round covers and drains

Think twice if

Whole drives sinking everywhere (lift and re-lay or rebuild may be better value)

How does it work?

Tell us about the job
Use the form, the quote tool, WhatsApp or a call.
We take a look
A survey visit, or photos for smaller repair and cleaning jobs.
Price in writing
Every line itemised, including the dig, edging and drainage.
Booked and built
Agreed start date, then the work, the final clean-down and the joint top-up.

Questions about sunken paving

Why is my block paving sinking?

The usual causes are a thin or poorly compacted sub-base, too much sand in the laying course, water washing out the bedding, or a trench that settled. The blocks are rarely the cause.

Can you just add more sand under the blocks?

Packing extra sand under a dip without fixing the base usually lasts only a short time. The base needs to be checked and rebuilt if it has failed.

Will the repaired area match?

Yes, in most cases, because we lift and re-use the same blocks.

How much does it cost to fix a sunken area?

It depends on the size and the cause. Small dips are priced per job; larger areas per square metre. See our repair cost guide.

Where do you offer sunken area repairs?

We quote sunken area repairs across the UK. Choose your area for local prices and towns.

Sunken and rutted block paving

What does a sunken area repair involve?

What is included?