Drywells are an excellent solution for managing storm water. They help reduce flooding, erosion, and pollution while promoting groundwater recharge and conservation. If you want to make your property more resilient to heavy rain and reduce your environmental impact, consider adding drywells to your water management plan.
Romano Paving & Contracting Corp. works on building a dry well with years of experience. Here's what drywells are and how they can improve your water management.
Drywells are underground structures. Among various functions, they collect and disperse stormwater runoff from roofs, driveways, and other surfaces into the ground. There are two types of drywells:
Rock-filled drywell: a large pit filled with gravel or rock.
Formal drywell: perforated concrete rings.
Rainfall of any kind can sink into the soil, replenishing groundwater and regulating runoff. They also aid in lowering pollution levels by removing impurities from streams before they get there.
Storm water is stored and allowed to seep into formal drywell systems, also known as drywell rings. These are made of prefabricated concrete. They range in size and are usually installed 6–8 feet below the surface. These rings are interconnected to form a larger space, allowing rainwater to collect and slowly seep into the soil.
Rock-filled drywells are installed at depths of 4 to 6 feet. They consist of a pit filled with drain rock and are more cost-effective for shallower spaces. They are a good alternative when less infiltration or water storage is needed compared to formal drywells.
All our drywells have an overflow mechanism, usually a surface bubbler, to handle excess water during heavy rains. This prevents water from backing up toward your home and ensures efficient drainage.
Drywells are especially effective in soils where the layers beneath the upper clay layers can drain well. In these types of soil, drywells help water move downward to more permeable layers, preventing surface water buildup and potential flooding.
Rainwater runs into devices like catch basins, gutters, downspouts, and French drains when it falls on surfaces it cannot penetrate. Rainwater is then transported to the drywell via subterranean pipelines. Because the walls of the drywell are porous, water can slowly seep into the surrounding soil, which serves as a natural filter to remove impurities and pollutants.
During storms, this progressive release of water helps lessen the peak flow of runoff entering neighboring streams, storm drains, or waterways, lowering the risk of flooding downstream. Water resources in the area are supported as they percolate through the soil and replenish groundwater reserves. In local systems, this procedure is essential for preserving the water balance. Building a dry well can assist in controlling erosion, lowering the risk of flooding, and managing storm water runoff by simulating natural groundwater recharge.
Both drywells and infiltration systems are used to manage stormwater runoff, but they have different designs, functions, and applications.
An infiltration system is a network of underground structures, including trenches, chambers, or modular units, that collect and infiltrate stormwater into the soil. These systems, also called infiltration trenches, are usually installed at shallow depths of 2 to 4 feet. They work well for properties with soil that drains well in the upper layers above clay.
Infiltration trenches spread water over a larger area, which helps it seep into the soil more effectively. Because infiltrators can handle more water than drywells can, they're a better option for controlling stormwater runoff and encouraging groundwater recharge.
Infiltration systems are employed in a variety of contexts, such as municipal, commercial, and residential construction. Larger developments with plenty of impermeable surfaces and masses of runoff are particularly well-suited for them.
Installing a drywell needs careful planning and digging to make sure it's the right size and in the right place. After installation, minimal upkeep is required; typically, this entails clearing sediment accumulation from the leaf screen or sediment trap connected to the downspouts feeding into the drywell. If a drywell stops working, a scope can be used to check the lines for problems.
Here are the essential actions involved in installing a drywell:
The optimal position for the drywell will be determined by a drainage specialist after inspecting your property and taking into account the soil type, groundwater levels, building proximity, and local laws.
Excavation:
Depending on the volume of stormwater flow that needs to be controlled, the selected area is dug up to the proper depth and dimensions.
Testing:
The excavated hole may be tested to ensure it functions properly and has the right infiltration rates.
Preparation:
To establish a secure basis for the drywell, the bottom of the hole is smoothed, and any sharp rocks or debris are removed.
Placement of the Drywell:
The drywell is set in the excavated area and can be either a prefabricated concrete structure or a drain rock.
Connection:
To direct stormwater flow into the system, downspouts or drainage pipes from gutters, driveways, or other hard surfaces are connected to the drywell.
Backfilling:
The area around the drywell is filled with gravel or rock to provide support and promote water infiltration into the surrounding soil.
Covering:
To keep debris out, a cover or lid is placed on top of the drywell.
The type of drywell system being installed, local regulations, and site conditions may all affect the installation procedure. It is advised to work with a licensed contractor or drainage specialist to guarantee that the drywell is installed appropriately and satisfies your property's drainage requirements.
You might need building a dry well if you have problems with stormwater runoff and drainage, such as:
Flooding:
A drywell can assist by catching and absorbing more water into the soil if your property frequently floods after heavy rains or if you notice standing water in some places.
Soil Erosion or Waterlogged Soil:
In the event that your soil becomes soggy and waterlogged during a downpour, it is indicative of inadequate drainage. A drywell can drain excess water from the soil, prevent waterlogging, and promote healthier plant growth. It can also reduce soil erosion by decreasing the amount and speed of runoff.
Standing water around downspouts:
If you often see standing water around your downspouts or near your home’s foundation, it could mean your current drainage system is not working well.
It's better to consult with Romano Paving & Contracting Corp if you have any of these problems. They may assess the drainage requirements of your property and determine whether a drywell is the best course of action. They will design and install a drywell system that efficiently addresses your drainage issues, taking into account the specifics of your site, the kind of soil, and any applicable municipal restrictions.
Yes. You may need a permit for building a dry well, depending on local regulations. Drainage Masters will handle the permitting process and provide you with the approved permit for your records. We give value to your satisfaction and compliance with local rules and regulations.
Mailing address: 121 E 2nd Street, Mineola, NY 11501, BIC# 1190
Tel: 718.728.3488
