Sometimes a dry well alone is not enough to solve a tricky drainage problem. In these situations, it can be more practical to use a pump to take the water away from the low-lying area. Exterior sump pump systems are very similar to sump pumps used in basements.
We can also use grading, French drains, and drain tile to help drain water from other problem areas directly into the dry well and sump basin system. Before and after of sump pump and dry well system. First, we locate the lowest area of the yard and excavate soil to make room for reservoir cubes and the pump basin.
Then, we line the hole on all sides with filtration fabric that is designed to allow water to move through the fabric. This fabric helps prevent soil and sediments from flowing into the void spaces created by the reservoir cubes and rock. Next, we install the reservoir cubes and the sump basin.
The reservoir cubes also help hold water that previously may have puddled or caused mushy soil. This gives runoff water a place to collect until it gradually dissipates into the soil, instead of cascading across the lawn surface and pooling in depressed areas. Note that while dry wells typically collect runoff from the roof, they can also be used to relocate gray water the relatively clean water wasted by sinks, baths, washing machines, and dishwashers.
In some developments, homeowners may be required to install one or more dry wells to reduce the impact on municipal storm drains. Detailed instructions for performing a perc test on your own property are available from your local extension office. A spot where the water drains away quickly might be a good candidate for a dry well; while homeowners who have heavy clay soil on the property and slower drainage will likely need to find a different option for moving storm water.
Additional dry wells may be necessary if elements of your landscape are creating a drainage problem, such as runoff from a driveway or large patio. Ideally, dry wells should be large enough to collect runoff without overflowing in typical rain events. They run the gamut from inexpensive hand-dug pits lined with permeable landscape fabric and packed with rocks to high-end perforated concrete or polyethylene tanks.
No matter style what you choose, you can cover a dry well with turf for camouflage or an open grate for easy monitoring.
JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. A gravel-free, easy to use alternative to a traditional dry well, that captures and discharges water into the subsoil allowing for the management of stormwater close to its source. View Products. Rob approaches remodeling and building construction with a pragmatic and problem-solving approach.
He enjoys using his knowledge and experience to help and educate building professionals as well as DIYers on best practices in the construction and remodeling industry. He's a strong advocate for "raising the bar" in the construction trades and promoting the trades to youth.
Click here for more information. Robert Robillard Carpentry robertrobillard Facebook. All posts by Robert ». Search for more articles here. Enter keywords like roof leak, bookcase, deck, etc to find your topic. Product and tool reviewer at ToolBoxBuzz. Dry wells give downspout water a place to go if existing grading does not allow for water run off or if there are hard scape issues.
Installing a dry well is not hard but it is labor intensive if you do not have access to a backhoe or digging machine. A dry well is a passive structure. Water flows through pitched pipes and into the well under the influence of gravity. When a dry well is installed above the water table, most of of the time it will contain air.
This way the dry well can accept an initial inrush of rain water very quickly, until the air inside it is displaced.
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