Most of the time a well constructed paver patio or walk will last a very long time with little to no problems. However, occasionally you may have a few pavers or so that sink and cause a problem with standing water and\or a safety hazard.
Why did my pavers sink?
The most common reason for a paver to sink is because of an improper base. Either the compaction or the thickness of the base was incorrectly done during the installation process.
How do I fix them?
1. First step is to lift the old pavers using a trowel, flathead screwdriver or something that is sturdy and has a thin straight edge. As gently as possible try to pry up the end of each paver. Sometimes the use of a second straight edge will help in this process. Use a rubber mallet or a piece of wood to hit on the pavers if they are wedged in to tight, in order to loosen them up. Once you have them up take the time to clean any excess sand around the edges to make the re-installation process go a little smoother.
2. Use a straight edge to scrap out the now exposed area in order to level it out the best you can. Apply more concrete sand or bedding material in the area to bring the level to no more than 1/4" above the bottom of the other pavers still in place. Use a straight edge or some sturdy pipe (as rails) if possible to ensure the sand is laid evenly.
3. At this point you can relay the pavers in the same pattern as before. Once the pavers are in place you can use a rubber mallet to pound them down until level with the existing pavers. Leaving the sand or bedding material no more than 1/4" above the bottom of the existing pavers in step 2 ensures that when you pound them with the rubber mallet that they don't go down to far.
4. The final step is to apply the jointing sand. Polymeric sand is recommended to ensure the joints stay sealed and lock together. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's installation steps to be sure that is correctly done.
