A dry well, also sometimes called a seepage pit, is a vital component of a home’s exterior drainage infrastructure that prevents water buildup near the home’s foundation. This underground chamber is designed to slowly release captured drainage water into the surrounding soil over an extended period. When this delicate system begins to degrade, homeowners will start spotting problems at the surface, like a need for more frequent pumping of a sump pit, muddy areas developing after rains, or damp basement walls even when no visible leaks are present. These kinds of common signs warrant a professional inspection of the buried dry well to assess the need for reconstruction or repairs.
A dry well is a structure typically made of precast concrete, cinder blocks, or gravel that is installed underground to collect surface water runoff from your roof, driveway, or yard and allow it to slowly filter into the ground. Dry wells help reduce excess storm water runoff that could otherwise contribute to flooding or pollution issues.
A dry well uses gravity and natural underground filtration to dispose of surface water runoff safely. Water drains into the open bottom of the dry well through pipes or a trench and percolates down through the soils below ground. As the water filters down, soil acts as a natural filter, removing contaminants before the purified water replenishes underground aquifers or groundwater supplies. The water fills the empty spaces between soil particles and gravel in the dry well before infiltrating deeper into the ground.
For a dry well to continue functioning properly over many years, regular maintenance is important. Debris, sediment, and contaminants could clog the pipes or fill the dry well over time if not kept clear.
Clogging prevents water from fully draining and filtering into the ground as intended. It’s important to inspect your dry well at least twice a year and clean it out if needed to remove any obstructions and ensure optimal performance. Neglecting maintenance could eventually cause the dry well to fail and lead to drainage or flooding issues.
Some visible signs that your dry well may be failing include cracks in the structure, erosion around the pipes or edges, sections collapsing in, or standing water pooling on top instead of draining fully.
Cracks can compromise the integrity of the dry well and allow unfiltered surface water to bypass the system.
Erosion and collapsing indicate structural instability. And pooled water means the dry well is no longer draining as it should.
If you notice water pooling around the edges of your dry well or in low spots nearby after a rainstorm instead of fully draining away, this could point to an issue within the drainage system. Pooled water may mean the pipes leading to the dry well are partially clogged or the dry well itself has become blocked and water can no longer infiltrate properly into the ground.
Slow drainage from your dry well after a rain is also something to watch out for. If water is not fully draining within a reasonable time frame, it’s possible debris or sediment has begun to obstruct the pipes or fill the dry well storage capacity.
Slow drainage reduces the dry well’s effectiveness at absorbing and filtering runoff. It also increases risks of flooding if the system becomes completely clogged.
A sudden onset of odors like rotten eggs or sewage coming from the area of your dry well could also signal a problem. Unpleasant smells may mean contaminants have accumulated in a clogged dry well, allowing bacteria to grow in stagnant water.
Over time, cracks, holes, or structural weaknesses in the sides or base of a dry well can compromise its filtering functions. Small fractures may allow runoff to bypass the infiltration process and potentially contaminate groundwater supplies.
Larger cracks or holes may cause sections to collapse, rendering the dry well unusable until repairs are made. Inspecting for any such damage and making timely repairs prevents unnecessary dry well failures.
Just as cracks can form pathways around the filtration process, erosion of the soil surrounding a dry well has consequences. Soil washing away exposes the dry well structure directly to surface runoff. This runoff hasn’t been filtered through soil layers as intended and may contain pollutants like oil, grease, or heavy metals. Erosion also reduces the stability of the dry well since proper soil coverage helps anchor it in place.
Extreme weather events can temporarily strain any drainage system, including dry wells. Heavy rainstorms may cause more runoff than the dry well was sized to handle at once, resulting in pooling that takes longer to drain.
During droughts, low soil moisture levels may slow water percolation into the ground. Monitoring how weather conditions affect drainage can provide clues if the dry well needs cleaning or upgrading.
The root systems of nearby trees and shrubs are another environmental factor that could pose problems over time. Roots may grow into the underground pipes or into the dry well structure in search of water sources. They have the potential to block flow paths and filtration. Trees should be planted at a safe distance from dry wells to avoid such obstructions.
The type of native soil under and around a dry well also influences its long-term functionality. Certain dense clay soils may drain too slowly while sandy or gravelly soils may allow runoff to pass through too quickly without adequate filtering. The soil’s ability to absorb water as intended needs evaluating if drainage issues occur. A soil composition unable to support the dry well may require installing in a more permeable location.
To check for issues, give your dry well a thorough visual check. Look for cracks in concrete walls or pipes as well as rust, dents, or other signs of damage. Gently probe the piping and connections—they should be securely in place without noticeable fractures.
Checking material integrity during regular maintenance helps proactively catch small issues before they indicate more costly repairs are needed.
If problems like pooling, odor, cracks or slow drainage emerge, document when issues began occurring and their severity. Contact a local contractor specialized in drainage system repairs for an in-person inspection and diagnosis of the problem’s source and extent. A technician can properly evaluate maintenance or repairs required.
Typical dry well fixes include cleaning out settled debris and sediment through vacuuming or jetting, unclogging blocked pipes by snaking or replacement if severely obstructed, repairing cracks or structural weak points, and fully replacing sections that have collapsed. Drainage professionals have the right equipment and know-how to efficiently address a variety of issues while minimizing your liability.
Adopting a maintenance schedule and catching small problems before they worsen goes a long way in extending a dry well’s lifespan. Checking it twice yearly and after significant rain events allows catching needs early. Directing drainage away from the area using grading and gutters also helps preserve its useful function for longer time.
Keep an eye out for specific warning signs that can alert you if your dry well needs maintenance or repairs.
Pay attention to visible cracks or erosion in the dry well structure.
Pay attention to slow drainage times after rainstorms and runoff events.
Pay attention to water pooling around the dry well instead of fully infiltrating into the ground as intended.
Pay attention to odors coming from the dry well area, which can indicate possible bacterial growth from stagnant water issues.
Have any issues you notice addressed promptly by contacting a professional dry well repair contractor.
Doing so helps to preserve your dry well’s important storm water control functions long-term.
Taking a proactive approach through regular care and making timely repairs can prevent needing to undertake far more costly full dry well replacement down the road.
Thinking of updating your home’s yard drainage system but unsure where to start? As a Fredericton homeowner, you’ll want to contact the experienced drainage experts at Atlantic Hardscape and Concrete. For over 15 years, we’ve been helping residents with a wide range of yard drainage installation, maintenance, and repair services.
Specializing in dry well installation and all associated components, Atlantic Hardscape can assess your drainage needs, provide professional suggestions, and complete the job efficiently and within budget. Whether you require a simple clean-out or full system replacement, our team of trained contractors stands ready to install drainage solutions that meet or exceed industry standards for performance and reliability.
For personalized recommendations and an estimate, speak to the drainage specialists at Atlantic Hardscape and Concrete. Our expertise ensures your yard’s drainage system will handle rain and snow melt for many years to come.
There are a few main signs that could mean it’s time to replace your well. Some things to watch out for include inconsistent drainage after rain or flooding, any cracks or visible damage to the well structure, if it seems to clog and drain slowly more often, or if you notice tree roots growing into it. Another sign is simply how old your well is – most well structures only last up to 30 years before needing replacement.
A dry well’s useful lifespan in Fredericton depends on several factors but generally ranges from 20-30 years with regular cleaning and maintenance. Heavy localized rainfall, soil composition, nearby trees and plants, and level of care all impact longevity to some degree. The structure may outlive the pipes leading to it if these are not also properly maintained over time.
In many cases, yes. Common restoration methods include cleaning, repairing structural issues, or relining the interior to improve performance.
If damage is too extensive or the well is near the end of its life span, replacement may be recommended instead of restoration.
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