How Much Does a Dry Well Installation Cost? [2024 Data]
Normal range: $1,344 - $5,167
Dry well installation costs on average $3,126 depending on the type of dry well and its size.
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. They 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.
- Average
- $3,126
- Low end
- $200
- high end
- $10,300
Dry Well Installation Cost Factors
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 Well Type
Dry wells come in three forms: gravel, plastic, or concrete.
| Type | 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.
Dry Well Size
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.
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.
| Volume | Cost |
|---|---|
| 50–250 gallons | $500–$1,200 |
| 250–500 gallons | $1,200–$4,400 |
| 500–3,000 gallons | $4,400+ |
Labor
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.
Location
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.
Prep
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.
Ongoing Expenses for Dry Wells
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 Well Maintenance
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.
Dry Well Operating Costs
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.
DIY Dry Well Installation vs. Hiring a Pro
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.
How Angi Gets Its Cost Data
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We survey real Angi customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to costquotes@angi.com. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.
Frequently Asked Questions
A dry well is 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.
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.
The location of your dry well will depend on the condition of your property. The most common location is near gutter downspouts, as a dry well can help collect runoff from your roof. It’s recommended to keep dry wells at least 10 feet away from slabbed structures to prevent foundation damage.
It’s best to install a dry well during a period with little rain or extreme weather conditions. Rainwater can impact the construction process and set you or your contractors back on schedule.