How to Build Dry Wells

Illustration of typical dry well construction

If you have pooling water at the base of rain spouts or drains, it may signify that the below-ground drainage system on your property isn't working correctly. With the use of a few standard household and garden items, dry wells can get rid of that problem for you, and create extra value to your property with very little effort or cost to build.

Things You'll Need

• Shovel or spade
• A large empty container, such as a trash can or oversize bucket
• Quantity of large, small and medium sized rocks, washed and cleaned
• A sharp knife, or other implement to make holes with
• Landscaping fabric or burlap
• Drainpipe

Instructions

Building a Dry Well

1. Dig a trench, about 18 to 24 inches deep, from the overflow point to the area where you want to place the well itself. Line the trench with the landscaping fabric or burlap.

2. Dig your dry well, and when it is done, line the inside with the burlap or landscaping fabric, while making sure the edges overlap into the trench area. Make multiple holes in the sides of the trash can and place into the hole itself. Make one hole big enough for the drainpipe to fit into, ensuring that it's at the right spot to connect with the drain pipe when laid down.

3. Fill the trash can with different sizes of the stones, making sure there is still plenty of collection room in the can or large bucket.

4. Put small and medium sized rocks on the bottom of the trench to about 2 inches depth, then make a series of holes in the drainpipe before you put it into your trench, holed side down.

5. Connect the drainage pipe to the container, lay in trench, cover both the trench and the receptacle with the garden fabric or burlap, cover with soil etc. and your installation is finished. Connect the other end of the drainage pipe to the outflow grate, making sure the filter screen is properly placed.

Tips & Warnings

• Check your drain system at least 4 times per year, to make sure it's still performing fully. Clean the filter screen regularly. Check system fully if you get more than 2 inches of rain on one occasion.

• Check with local council, HOA etc. in case permits may be needed. A minimum of 8-10 feet is suggested for placement to stop leakage to basement/foundation.

References

• Chester Co., PA Information and Resource site

Resources

• Pa. Township Guide and Information