Two very different fixes
Void filling repairs the soil behind the wall. Replacement rebuilds the wall itself. Choosing the wrong one wastes money either way.
When void filling makes sense
- Panels and cap are structurally sound
- Soil is washing through joints or cracks
- Sinkholes are forming behind the wall
- Cap elevation is acceptable
When replacement makes sense
- Widespread cracking or broken panels
- Significant lean from tieback failure
- Cap well below current city elevation requirements
- Repeated repairs haven't held
The middle ground
Many walls need a combination: void filling plus cap repair, or tieback work plus rip rap. An inspection clarifies which combination fits.