How Much Does a Dry Well Installation Cost?

Cost Comparison and Materials

The cost of a residential dry well varies depending on materials. Here’s an overview of the prices of different options:

Loose Stone

Plastic

Plastic dry wells cost between $90 and $350 to install, though larger sizes will increase the price. This material comes in prefabricated basins that hold several gallons of water. The perforated basins allow water to drain through to the ground.

Pros install the plastic basins by digging a hole in the ground and placing the well inside. They may connect it to your previous drainage system using pipes.

Add another $300 to your project cost if you plan to add a drain and grate.

Concrete

At $300 to $5,000 or more per project, a concrete dry well is by far the most expensive option. This basin typically holds 500 to 1,000 gallons of water. This extremely heavy well has perforations that let water flow through into the ground.

Professionals will dig into the ground and set up the well inside. They might use your existing drainage system to connect to the well for maximum efficiency.

What is a French Drain?

At between $200 and $700 for an exterior system, a French drain is on the higher end of cost for a yard drainage system. It is frequently confused with a dry well but the two are quite different in their appearance and operation.

French drain systems are installed during the construction of a home, usually right before the foundation is poured. These systems feature small perforations that allow water to flow through but prevent other debris from entering. Unlike a dry well, French drains can become easily clogged.

Advantages of Dry Wells

One advantage of a dry well is that you don’t need to worry about clogging. And unlike French drains, professionals can install seepage pits after constructing a building.

Dry wells also route water away from walkways to prevent dangerous ice slicks from forming. They help to prevent erosion and remove excess water from the soil’s surface.

Considerations

Those considering having a dry well installed on their property should be aware of a few special considerations:

You may need to obtain a permit.

Your local municipality might require you to have a permit before beginning construction. Dry well permits typically cost between $25 and $50, which is considerably less than the cost of a normal building permit. Some construction companies include the permit in their installation costs and take care of the registration process for homeowners.

You may need to order a percolation test.

A percolation test costs between $300 and 1,200. It checks the water absorption rate of soil. Pros perform this test before installing a dry well to ensure it is a good drainage option for the property.

Pros may have to dig up some of the lawn

Professionals will likely need to dig up parts of the lawn to install a dry well. As a result, homeowners might need to re-seed the affected areas of the lawn. Fortunately, seeding a lawn costs less than you might think – it’s as little as 25 cents per square .

DIY or Hire a Dry Well Pro?

Though it is possible to dig your own dry well, there are many factors that can go wrong. Firstly, you need a permit, so your local municipality may not approve a DIY installation. Also, if done incorrectly, the water can cause damage to the foundation of your home.

Instead, find and hire a landscape contractor to do the job. Only a trained and experienced professional will know the correct placement for a dry well.

FAQ

What is the purpose of a dry well?

The purpose of a dry well is to disperse excess surface water from storms into the ground depending on your lawn and home’s needs.

How deep does a dry well have to be?

A dry well should be at least four feet deep and can be more than eight feet deep depending on how much excess water you need to divert. This helps ensure there is enough room for excess water and the depth prevents freezing.

How far should a dry well be from the house?

A dry well should be at least 10 feet away from a home’s foundation. If placed too closely, water can reach the foundation and cause expensive damage over time.

Will a dry well freeze?

If installed correctly, a dry well should not freeze. This is because it should be dug below the frost line, which is too deep to freeze.

How do you maintain a dry well?

Maintain a dry well by frequently removing leaves and debris from water paths, including your gutters and downspouts. This will prevent blockages. The cost to clean your gutters is about $150.