Helical Tieback Anchors: Stabilizing Bowing Basement Walls for Lasting Support
Helical anchors, also known as helical tiebacks, are a highly effective solution for stabilizing and repairing foundations. They are particularly useful for addressing bowing or leaning basement walls.
In foundation and earth retention work, lateral loads—such as soil pressure, hydrostatic forces, and shifting ground—can compromise walls, retaining structures, and basements over time. Helical anchors provide a dependable, engineered solution by “screwing” into load-bearing soil and transferring tension forces safely away from vulnerable structures.
Because they are mechanical (no grout curing), they offer fast installation, minimal site disruption, and predictable performance.

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Lifetime Warranty
Money-Back Guarantee
Product Replacement for Life
Lifetime TotalCare™ Maintenance
Fair & Honest Pricing
Experience You Can Trust
100% Financing available
Licensed, bonded, and insured
No Sales Games
Industry-leading warranties and guarantees
Recommended by Your Neighbors
A+ BBB Rating
Warning Signs You Need Foundation Repair
The primary cause of bowing or shifting walls is hydrostatic pressure, which is the force exerted by water-saturated soil against your foundation. Because there is nothing on the interior to counter that force, the wall begins to move. If left untreated, the wall can continue to move inward and eventually may collapse.
Poor drainage, clay-heavy soil, and repeated freeze-thaw cycles can all contribute to this pressure. Look out for these critical warning signs:
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Horizontal or diagonal cracks in your basement walls.
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Walls that are visibly leaning or bowing inward.
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Doors or windows that stick or are difficult to open and close, which can indicate a shifting foundation.
Bowing walls are most often seen in foundation walls constructed with concrete blocks. These concrete blocks are held together with mortar, and the mortar (unless it is reinforced), is the weakest spot. This is where you are most likely to see the failure. The walls are strongest at the corners, so the bowing is typically found toward the middle – in the form of stair-step foundation cracks.

How the SouthernDry RockSolid™ Helical Anchor System Works
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Installed From Inside – Minimal Yard Disruption
Anchors are driven from inside your basement into undisturbed soil outside. No large digging means your landscaping stays intact. -
High-Strength Steel Reinforcement
Steel rods connect interior wall plates to buried exterior anchor plates. These apply a counterforce to halt and reverse wall movement. -
Adjustable Torque System
Over time—and during dry conditions—we can gradually tighten the system to straighten bowed or shearing walls and return them closer to their original position. -
Engineered for Precision and Durability
Includes anti-kink hardware, torque-limiting controls, and custom brackets to prevent overcorrection and reduce stress on your foundation walls.

Reverse Wall Anchors for Outward-Tipping Walls
In some cases, especially with frost-protected foundations or walk-out basements, walls may lean outward. For these situations, we install a Reverse Wall Anchor System:
- Anchors are installed from the outside and pulled inward
- Exterior soil is excavated, and steel rods are inserted through the wall
- Interior wall plates apply force to bring the wall back into alignment
- If needed, minor slab excavation is done to help realign the foundation wall
This method is ideal for foundation wall straightening where walls have tipped or suffered block shear failure.
Our RockSolid™ Helical Anchor Systems Work For:
- Bowed Wall Repair
- Shearing Wall Repair
- Concrete Block Wall Repair
- Basement Wall Reinforcement
- Foundation Stabilization and Straightening
- Block Wall Repair and Concrete Wall Repair
Every home is different. We tailor our approach based on wall type (block, poured concrete), soil conditions, and the extent of movement.
Benefits of Helical Anchors for Fixing Bowing Basement Walls
Helical anchors offer numerous advantages over traditional repair methods:
- Minimal Disruption: The installation process is quick and requires little heavy equipment, meaning your yard and landscaping are minimally disturbed.
- Versatility: They can be used in a wide variety of soil and weather conditions, making them a flexible repair solution.
- Precision and Durability: The system is engineered for accuracy and is adjustable, ensuring a precise and long-lasting repair.
- Ideal for Tight Spaces: They are an excellent solution for structures in hard-to-access areas where larger equipment cannot operate.
Why You Shouldn't Wait to Repair Your Foundation
Ignoring a bowing or cracked foundation can lead to a domino effect of structural problems. A minor crack can grow into a major structural failure, compromising the safety and value of your home. The longer you wait, the more extensive and expensive the repairs can become. Acting quickly can prevent further damage and ensure your home’s long-term stability.
How Much Do Helical Anchors (Tiebacks) Cost?
The cost of helical anchor repair can vary significantly based on a number of factors. While a professional inspection is the only way to get a precise quote, understanding these key variables can help you estimate the potential investment.
While a professional inspection is the only way to get a precise quote, understanding these key variables can help you estimate the potential investment.
Here are the primary factors that affect the cost of helical anchor repair:
- Extent and Severity of Damage: This is the most significant factor. The worse the foundation damage, the more helical anchors will be needed to stabilize it. A small section of a bowing wall may only require a few anchors, while a severely settled or cracked foundation could require a much larger number, dramatically increasing material and labor costs.
- Soil Conditions: The type of soil on your property directly impacts the required depth and length of the anchors. For example, unstable or soft soil may require the anchors to be driven deeper to reach a stable, load-bearing stratum, increasing the overall cost. Rocky or dense soil can make the installation more difficult and time-consuming.
- Accessibility: How easy it is for the crew and equipment to access the repair area plays a major role. Obstacles such as decks, patios, mature landscaping, or narrow side yards can complicate the installation, potentially requiring more manual labor and specialized, smaller equipment.
- Installation Depth: The deeper the helical anchors must be driven into the ground to find stable soil, the more they will cost. Many companies charge a base price per pier up to a standard depth, with an additional cost for every extra foot of depth required.
Financing is available, and we always provide clear estimates before commencing any work.

Why Alabama Homeowners Choose SouthernDry
With more than 21 years of proven experience, SouthernDry is one of the most trusted names in foundation repair. We don’t believe in temporary patches. We provide lasting solutions designed to restore your home’s strength and safety.
Every project is handled by a Certified Foundation Specialist, backed by honest communication, dependable workmanship, and responsive service from start to finish. And with our Lifetime Warranty, you’ll have confidence that the job was done right for good.
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A water-tight warranty that ensures the problem won’t come back. Warranty transfers to the new owners if you sell. That adds real value to your home.
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Unlike with other come-and-go contractors, with SouthernDry your money is never at risk.
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Failures occur when systems are not maintained, or pumps go unmonitored. Our Lifetime TotalCare™ Maintenance program ensures your system keeps working like new.
Get Started on Your Helical Anchor Project Today
Don’t wait for small signs of foundation damage to turn into costly repairs. Schedule a free inspection with SouthernDry to determine if push piers are the right solution for your home.
Protect your home’s value and safety. Start with a free foundation assessment today.