If your yard struggles with water runoff or persistent puddles, you might have heard of a dry well. But do dry wells really work—and are they the right drainage solution for your property?
In this guide, we break down how dry wells function, when to use them, and how they compare to other common drainage options like French drains and catch basins.
💡 What Is a Dry Well?
A dry well is a large underground chamber that collects and temporarily stores excess water, allowing it to slowly drain into the surrounding soil. It typically connects to downspouts, sump pumps, or other drain pipes.
Think of it like a holding tank for stormwater.
🔍 How Dry Wells Work
- Water enters the dry well through a pipe or catch basin.
- The water fills the underground chamber.
- Over time, it percolates into the surrounding soil through holes or perforations in the container.
✅ When Should You Use a Dry Well?
Dry wells work best when you need to:
- Manage roof runoff from downspouts or sump pumps
- Handle overflow from French drains
- Fix soggy lawn areas that don’t naturally absorb water
- Reduce erosion or flooding near foundations, patios, or driveways
⚖️ Dry Well Pros and Cons
✔️ Pros:
- Great for managing heavy rain events
- Keeps water away from structures
- Underground = no visible eyesore
- Works well with other drainage systems
- DIY kits are available and affordable
❌ Cons:
- Requires well-draining soil to be effective
- Can clog without proper filtration or fabric
- Not ideal in areas with high water tables or poor percolation
- Needs space for installation (usually 4–10 feet deep)
🛠️ How to Install a Dry Well (DIY Overview)
You can install a dry well yourself using a prefabricated kit or a gravel pit system.
Materials Needed:
- Dry well kit (or large perforated barrel/container)
- Filter fabric or geotextile liner
- Drain pipe (solid or perforated)
- Gravel (for backfill)
- Shovel or mini-excavator
Steps:
- Choose the location: At least 10–15 feet from your home and property lines.
- Dig a hole: Typically 3–6 feet deep, wide enough for your dry well and gravel.
- Line the hole: With filter fabric to prevent soil from clogging the system.
- Install the dry well: Connect it to the inflow pipe (from downspout, sump, etc.).
- Backfill with gravel around and above the chamber.
- Cover with soil and sod for a clean finish.
👉 Pro Tip: Add a catch basin or leaf filter upstream to reduce clogging risk.
🧪 Do You Need a Percolation Test?
Yes—before installing a dry well, it’s smart to test your soil’s ability to absorb water. Clay-heavy or compacted soils may drain too slowly, making dry wells ineffective.
Learn more here: Improve Drainage in Clay Soil »
🤔 Dry Wells vs. French Drains
| Feature | Dry Well | French Drain |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Stores & disperses water | Redirects water through slope |
| Installation Depth | Deep (3–6 feet) | Shallow to moderate (6–18 inches) |
| Best for | Downspouts, sump pumps | Soggy areas, soil saturation |
| Visibility | Fully buried | May be visible with gravel |
👉 Many yards use both: a French drain routes water to a dry well for final dispersal.
✅ Final Thoughts: Are Dry Wells Worth It?
Dry wells are an excellent solution for managing stormwater, especially if you’re battling roof runoff or backyard puddles that don’t go away. They’re affordable, effective, and can be DIY-installed with the right tools.
Still unsure if it’s the right fit? Check out: