Helical piers: big steel screws that hold up a sinking house
A helical pier is a steel shaft with screw-like plates. It is turned deep into the ground until it reaches soil that can carry the house. Then the house is tied to it.
A house sinks when the soil under it moves or gets soft. One corner drops, cracks show up, and doors stop closing. The fix is to carry the house on something deeper and firmer than the soil near the top.
A helical pier is one way to do that. It is a steel shaft with one or more round, screw-like plates, called helices, welded on. It is also called a helical pile, screw pile or helical anchor.
How they are put in
The usual steps
- Dig next to the footing The crew opens a small hole at each pier spot along the foundation.
- Screw the pier into the ground A hydraulic motor turns the shaft. Extra sections are added until it reaches firm soil.
- Check the torque The force it takes to turn the pier tells the installer how much weight the soil can carry.
- Attach a bracket to the footing The bracket ties the house to the pier. Some jobs lift the house back toward level at this step.
- Fill the holes back in Most of the work is out of sight when it is done.
Helical piers vs steel push piers
| Helical piers | Steel push piers | |
|---|---|---|
| How they go in | Screwed in by a motor | Pushed in with hydraulic rams, using the weight of the house |
| Needs a heavy house? | No. Good for light homes, porches and additions | Yes. The house weight is what drives the pier |
| Works for new building? | Yes, they can go in before the house is built | No, they need a building on top to push against |
| Typical cost per pier | $2,000 to $4,000 (HomeGuide) | $1,000 to $3,000 (HomeAdvisor) |
A typical home often needs 5 to 10 piers (HomeGuide). Your engineer or contractor sets the real number.
Are they up to code?
Yes, when they are designed and put in correctly. The International Building Code covers helical piles in section 1810.3.1.5. Many brands also have an evaluation report under ICC-ES AC358, the test standard for helical pile systems. Ask the contractor which brand they use and if it has that report.
Questions to ask before you sign
Ask the contractor
- How many piers, and where? You want a drawing, not just a total price.
- Did an engineer design this? Many cities need a permit and an engineer letter for pier work.
- Will you lift the house, or only hold it? Lifting can open new cracks in drywall and tile. Know what to expect.
- What does the warranty cover, and does it transfer? A warranty that moves to the next owner helps when you sell.
Get a foundation contractor to look at it
Tell us your city and what you see. We match you with local foundation repair contractors, and you make the calls yourself.
Get matched with a foundation pro Price your pier jobSources
HomeGuide, "Helical piers cost" (Feb 6, 2026): homeguide.com. HomeAdvisor, "Foundation repair cost" (Jun 20, 2026): homeadvisor.com. International Code Council, 2021 International Building Code, section 1810.3.1.5: codes.iccsafe.org. ICC Evaluation Service, AC358 (helical pile systems): icc-es.org.
Questions homeowners actually ask
What is a helical pier?
A steel shaft with screw-shaped plates that is turned deep into the ground until it reaches firm soil. A bracket then ties the house foundation to it.
How much do helical piers cost?
HomeGuide puts them at $2,000 to $4,000 per pier installed, and says a typical home often needs 5 to 10 piers.
Are helical piers better than push piers?
Neither is always better. Helical piers work on light buildings and new builds. Push piers need the weight of the house to go in, and often cost less per pier.
Will helical piers lift my house back to level?
They can lift it some of the way. Most contractors will not promise a perfect level, because lifting too far can crack walls and pipes.