I spotted a clear example of a failure of a foundation wall/retaining wall during an inspection. Fortunately, this area was no longer in use except for wood storage. This wall once served as the foundation for an old apartment above a garage, but it also acted as a retaining wall due to its position.

The problem was that the wall lacked weep holes or any means of relieving water pressure. Over time, the pressure from water running down the hill and other factors pushed the wall inward. This incident highlights the importance of proper installation and maintenance of retaining walls.

Retaining walls bear significant pressure from water and will fail if not correctly installed. Ensure that your retaining walls have adequate drainage features to prevent such issues.