Push Piers vs Helical Piers: Which Solution Is Best for Your Foundation?

When structural issues arise, many homeowners and contractors are faced with an important decision: push piers vs helical piers. Both are trusted methods of foundation stabilization and underpinning, but they differ significantly in design and application. Understanding which solution is best depends on several factors, including soil conditions, structural load requirements, budget, and installation timeline.

Below, we break down the key differences between these two piering systems and help guide you toward the best solution for your residential foundation repair needs.

Understanding Push Piers

Push piers—also known as resistance piers—are hydraulically driven steel piers that are pushed through unstable soil until they reach bedrock or a load-bearing stratum. The weight of the structure helps drive the piers down, making them ideal single story structures or larger that have experienced settlement. By using the weight of the structure to install, push piers can routinely be installed to more than 1.5 times the design load, ensuring that each pier is load tested during installation. This ensures that each pier will be able to support the structure.

Strengths of Push Piers

• Installed deep into stable soil or bedrock
• Ideal for single story structures with adequate loads
• Minimal disturbance to landscaping
• Heavy equipment is not required to install.
• Effective when overhead clearance is limited

Limitations

• Less effective in lighter structures, such as decks, porches, or pole barns

• May not be suitable for soils that resist shaft advancement

Example Case Study

In a recent project in Birmingham, AL, a century-old brick home was exhibiting stair-step cracks and interior wall gaps. The structure’s weight allowed Titan Products’ SP-90 eccentric resistance push piers to be installed to a depth of 30 feet, providing permanent stabilization with minimal disruption to the landscaping. The homeowner saw immediate improvement and long-term peace of mind.

Understanding Helical Piers

Helical piers—screw-like anchors with helical plates—are mechanically advanced into the soil using hydraulic equipment. Unlike push piers, helical piers don’t rely on the weight of the structure for installation, making them ideal for lighter buildings, new construction, or areas with deep depths to load bearing strata.

Strengths of Helical Piers

• Can be installed before construction begins
• Ideal for light to moderate loads
• Works well in soft or granular soils
• Installation torque provides measurable load capacity

Limitations

• Not always effective in dense or rocky soils

• Requires access for installation equipment

• Load capacity depends on soil conditions and plate configuration

Example Case Study

A home in coastal South Carolina built on sandy soil was experiencing slight shifting within just a few years. Titan’s Helical Foundation Repair System—developed in partnership with Helical Anchors Inc.—was chosen for its torsional strength and adaptability to loose soil. Installers were able to stabilize the foundation with precision, using torque monitoring to confirm the bearing capacity at each pier.

Cost, Timeline & Installation Considerations

Exact pricing for either system will depend on factors like pier depth, number of piers required, access around the structure, and local labor and equipment costs.

Cost Comparison

Push piers are generally more cost effective if the depth to load bearing strata is less than 40 feet. Beyond 40 feet, a properly designed helical pier with appropriately sized helix plates can be more cost effective.

Installation Time

Both systems can typically be installed in 1–3 days.

Helical piers may be less labor strenuous to the installation crew, with the equipment being onsite to assist in installation.  

Choosing the Right Pier System for Your Project

Whether you’re working with new construction or repairing an existing structure, understanding the push piers vs helical piers debate comes down to your specific project conditions. For homeowners and contractors alike, having a trusted supplier and technical partner can simplify the decision-making process.

Titan Products offers both push and helical pier systems, backed by years of field expertise and rigorous engineering standards. We provide comprehensive product support and guidance to ensure your foundation solution is both effective and efficient.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Contact Titan Products to learn more about our full range of ICC-ES-certified foundation repair systems. Let our experience and innovation work for your next project.

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