Q&A for How to Build a Dry Well

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Referencing an earlier question: If I fill the barrel with gravel, why do I need the barrel at all? Couldn't I just terminate the drain into a gravel pit?

Community Answer

Yes, that method will work as well, however the larger stones inside the barrel allow it to keep its shape while being burred, and create larger pockets for water to fill. This increases the volume of water that the well can support over a traditional gravel filled well. You can buy a dry well that does not need to be filled. These effectively double the volume of the dry well, but they are engineered to a greater degree than the plastic barrel pictured here. I'm a bit old school and I can't justify burying a $65 trash can in my yard, so I like to use gravel filled wells myself.

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Question

What size gravel should be used for the dry well?

Community Answer

#57 stone is the size to use.

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Question

Why put landscape fabric in the tank?

Community Answer

To keep topsoil and debris from slowly backfilling the open space in the container. Water will go through the landscape fabric and out of the tank.

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Question

If I simply place the garbage can lid over the top and put dirt on top, isn't it likely that the top could collapse if someone stood on top of the soil that covers the lid?

Community Answer

Fill the barrel with gravel before placing the lid on top. Other websites advise providing a vent.

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Question

Is kitchen waste water safe to put into a dry well?

Community Answer

Absolutely not. Cleaners and other sources of chemicals are typically dumped into kitchen waste water. A consequence is possible contamination of ground water resource.

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What can I do to prevent water from leaking into my basement?

Community Answer

Hire a contractor experienced in basement waterproofing. Prices vary, so shop around, and remember, a large company isn't always the way to go. We used a small operation and they did exceptional work for a fair price and finished in two days. To compare contractors and read actual customer feedback on their work, refer to Angie's List. This investment you make pays off. After we had our cellar waterproofed, it was put to a full scale test with relentless autumn and winter rains for the last two years and stood up to all water intrusions, keeping the cellar bone dry. Note: if you don't already have one, a sump hole and pump may have to be installed to discharge any water from the cellar.

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Question

Is a washer safe to drain in this type of dry well?

Community Answer

Yes. Washer drain water is considered "grey" water and is safe to drain underground. However, you must drain it under the soil, not on top. And the preferred laundry detergent is a liquid type.

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Question

Wouldn't I want to put landscape fabric and gravel over the perforated pipe before I back fill with soil?

Community Answer

Gravel, definitely. While landscaping, fabric wouldn't hurt, but it is not completely necessary. This is generally referred to as a French drain and is commonly used with dry wells and as a standalone method for helping with swampy yards.

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Question

Would this work for water softener discharge?

Community Answer

No. Water softeners us salt water to remove the minerals from the domestic water system.

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Question

How big a container do I need for this? Do I need to fill it with rock, broken cement blocks and other rubble?

Community Answer

Ideally small and medium sized stones are best. Broken concrete and such can damage the inside of the barrel and may allow the water to drain too quickly causing erosion in your yard.

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Question

Can I discharge water from a washer into a dry well?

Community Answer

Yes. Washer drain water is considered "grey" water and is safe to drain underground. However, you must drain it under the soil, not on top. And the preferred laundry detergent is a liquid type.

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