Dry well installation costs $3,126 on average, but it often ranges from $1,344 to $5,167 depending on the materials you choose and if you decide to hire a pro.
The cost of a dry well installation ranges from $1,344 to $5,167, with the average cost coming to $3,126. However, the cost is worth it because dry wells are highly beneficial for homeowners who are experiencing drainage issues. Dry wells help prevent soil erosion, water damage, and foundation issues by moving water away from problem areas. Before you install a new dry well, learn the differences in cost due to type, volume, and location, so you and your budget are prepared.
There are multiple factors that affect the cost of a dry well installation, including the type of dry well, volume of water required, soil absorption rate, and other factors like labor that impact the installation cost.
Dry wells come in three forms: gravel, plastic, or concrete.
| Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Gravel | $50–$250 |
| Plastic | $90–$650 |
| Concrete | $300–$4,500+ |
A gravel, or seepage pit, is the most cost-efficient option. Installation costs typically include the labor to dig the hole and the cost of gravel. Labor costs range from $5 to $13 per linear foot, and gravel costs are around $45 to $55 per yard.
A plastic dry well is more advanced since it has a prefabricated container. With pipe and drain installations and the labor it takes to dig the hole and line it with gravel, the initial cost will range from $90 to $350 and an additional $300 for added drains.
The most expensive, and most advanced dry well system, is a concrete container. Concrete dry well installations use machinery to dig and install the system. Concrete containers manage runoff and hold a significantly larger volume of water than plastic or gravel systems. The water well drilling cost for a concrete dry well can range from $300 to $4,500.
Another key factor that will determine the cost of your dry well installation is the volume of water you need to store. The volume of water needed depends on the size of your lawn. Each square foot requires 0.623 gallons of water each week. Any excess water will be routed through drainage pipes.
| Volume | Cost |
|---|---|
| 50–250 gallons | $500–$1,200 |
| 250–500 gallons | $1,200–$4,400 |
| 500–3,000 gallons | $4,400+ |
It’s recommended to consult a local well pump contractor to determine the size of the well needed for your lawn. They will look at the soil absorption rate, lawn type, square footage, amount of irrigation, and annual rainfall to determine the volume.
The cost of labor for dry well installation will vary depending on the type and size of dry well you need. A contractor will typically give you a quote for the expected cost of installation. Their rate often ranges between $50 to $100 per hour for labor, plus the cost of any materials or equipment.
The soil composition of your lawn causes water to absorb at different rates, which can affect the size and number of wells you need—which increases cost. Your soil composition will differ depending on your location.
If your soil has a slow absorption rate, you’ll need a higher number of wells so the soil has time to absorb the water. A contractor will be able to determine your soil absorption rate through a percolation test.
Before installing a dry well, it’s important to have a percolation test done. A percolation test assesses how well your soil absorbs liquid.
Depending on the size and number of test holes needed, the evaluation will cost between $100 and $1,000. The cost for this test may also be part of the overall quote given for the installation.
After installing your dry well, it’s good to know how much you’ll need to spend on maintaining and operating it. This can be an important factor in your dry well installation budget.
Dry wells require regular maintenance. You can run into clogs or obstructions if debris and run-off are collected in the well.
You can maintain your dry well yourself by regularly removing debris, checking for standing water, and doing routine cleanings. If you choose to opt for professional maintenance, the cost can range from $45 to $150 per hour.
Depending on your location, you may need to purchase a permit to install your dry well. The cost of a permit can range from $25 to $50 and typically needs to be renewed every five years.
Doing a dry well installation by yourself is a cost-effective option for homeowners who don’t need an advanced or large system. DIY installations are often only recommended for gravel or plastic containers, as concrete containers require the use of heavy equipment. Even with DIY installations, it’s still recommended to have a contractor conduct an assessment of your yard to help determine the volume of the dry well you need.
Completing the installation yourself will require a shovel, gravel, plastic container, and accessories, costing you between $185 and $385. Plus, the physical labor and elbow grease needed to dig a large enough pit can be tiring.
If you feel uneasy about the physical requirements, consider hiring a contractor to save yourself some stress. Professional dry well contractors know how to do the job quickly and efficiently so you won’t have to worry about future water damage or improper installation fixes.
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A dry well is a concrete or plastic container in a hole in the ground that collects excess rainwater and lets it slowly soak into the surrounding soil. It can range from a simple gravel pit to an elaborate stormwater drainage system. To collect the rainwater, there are downspouts on the house that carry the water away from the roof, then release it into the dry well.
Digging a well can cost between $20 and $25,000, depending on your needs. If you’re looking to dig a well yourself, all you need is a shovel. If you’re looking to have a well drilled by a professional, you can expect to pay around $15 to $30 per foot. The total cost of drilling a well will average to $5,500.
While dry wells are helpful for dispersing excess rainwater from the roof or around the house, there are some downsides. For example, if you install a gravity flow dry well, it can take a long time to release the water depending on the dry well’s depth and the permeability of the soil.
There’s also a risk of overflowing the dry well if you don’t have one large enough to handle the amount of rain in your area. The biggest disadvantage is that it’s hard to clean out a dry well, and sediment buildup can make the dry well less effective.
A dry well can last 30 years if you keep up with maintenance. Maintenance can be tricky with dry wells, but be sure to inspect and deep clean the well at least once per year to keep it from getting clogged up with sediment and debris. To minimize buildup, clear out grass clippings, leaves, twigs, and other debris from the top of the dry well.
If you DIY annual cleaning and inspections, you should still hire a pro to inspect the dry well at least once every two to three years.
A dry well should be at least 10 feet from a house or other structure and at least 3 feet away from a property line. The reason a dry well needs to be far from homes and structures is that the water needs space to seep into the soil. If the dry well is too close to something, that water could damage the foundation or other building materials. Always check local building codes to determine exact distance requirements for your dry well.
