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Digging a Drywell

9:08 PM 07/07/2011

 

dogpatch

Crown Heights, NY

We are having some drainage issues in our backyard.  One half is pavers and a raised bed and the other half, closer to the building, is some old cement, a patch maybe 10 feet deep by 25 feet wide.  We're thinking the best course may be to take up the cement and dig a drywell.  Does this seem sensible and does anyone have a recommendation for a good contractor to do the job and haul away the debris?  Thanks.

 

 

Landscaping
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    thetinkerswagon

    I had some drainage issues at my house and had considered a dry well.  For us it was not a problem of flooding during rain storms like today - that water makes it out of the driveway - the problem was a low spot at the edge of the drive that kept a couple of inches of water just inside our yard.  Because of clay soil where we are, it sat for weeks.   If you have a large volume of water to get rid of, I would say you would need a drywell - and perhaps a deep one to get down into the sandy soil.  In my situation, I dug an 8'  trench where the water stood and sloped it down a bit.  At the end of the trench I made a shaft about 2' in diameter and 8' deep.  I was hoping to hit sand; I did not.  Not wanting to dig anymore, I placed a bed of stones in the entire thing and then put an 8" pvc pipe with holes drilled into it in the trench and down into the shaft.  I covered it with cloth made for the purpose so the pipe would not fill with dirt and then back filled with stones/cloth/sand and pavers on top.  The entire unit works like a dry well.  Even in heavy rain lasting days, it has not failed, though I know it fills; the weight of the water must disperse the lowest water into the clay.  

    It should not be a problem to find someone to do this kind of work (we do not). Someone recommended a contractor for something similar a couple of days ago - you could try them.

    Google french drains on the 'net if you wish to learn more.

    I just reread your post.  I am not sure I would tamper with the concrete closest to the building; if it is sloped correctly it may be keeping water away from your house.  Check with a contractor.

    Steve
     

    9:27 PM 07/07/2011 | 0 Votes

     

     

    Comments (1)

    • dogpatch

      Crown Heights, NY

      thank you, that is great advice.

      9:38 PM 07/07/2011

          

  • vote

    jamesbedstuy

    I agree with first commentator, but it is better to check with a contractor. Be sure to explain this problem to the contractor. I know this contractor who does a great work, he did works for our house and we are pleased with their works. Their company is CTG Construction ND NUMBER IS 718-669-8305 and ask for Millad. Hope your problem get fixed.

    11:52 PM 07/07/2011 | 0 Votes

     

     

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