At Sunnyside Property Services, we’re proud to be one of Connecticut’s most trusted names in dry well installation. While dry wells might seem like basic components in the world of drainage, when designed and installed properly, they become powerful tools for managing excess water discreetly and effectively. And when we get the opportunity, we love putting a creative spin on their design—especially when the site demands a more tailored solution.
Let’s walk through what dry wells do, when and why to use them, and how Sunnyside makes the most of these underappreciated stormwater systems.
What Is a Dry Well—and How Does It Work?
A dry well is essentially a below-ground reservoir designed to temporarily hold and slowly disperse stormwater into the surrounding soil. A typical dry well installation involves digging a pit (often about 4 feet wide and 4 feet deep), filling it with drainage stone, and letting gravity take over. As the pit fills during rain events, water filters into the surrounding soil through the walls and returns to the local water table.
It’s a simple principle—but understanding that principle is key when scaling a system or incorporating dry wells into more complex stormwater solutions.
Smart Applications for Dry Wells
1. Subsurface Water Retention
One of the most common ways we use dry wells is to store excess surface water underground. This is particularly useful when you want to remove standing water from your yard or redirect roof runoff, but don’t want to sacrifice yard space or add visible structures.
However, this application can become tricky when conditions aren’t ideal—poor drainage soils, nearby obstacles, or undersized systems can render even a well-installed dry well ineffective. We often see issues arise when homeowners try DIY solutions based on online videos or retail kits that just aren’t built for the site’s needs.
That’s where we come in. For example, if your yard doesn’t drain well, we might first install a French drain system to collect and move the water to a better-draining location—like behind a shed or at the edge of a wooded area—before it enters a dry well. The result? No more soggy yard. Just a hidden, effective solution that works with your landscape.
2. Sump Pump Discharge Management
Dry wells are often ideal termination points for sump pump systems. A common problem we help solve is when an interior sump pump creates a new exterior issue—like saturated soil near the discharge point.
In these cases, we install a dry well in a far corner of the property and direct the discharge there. The result? Water disappears underground, out of sight and out of mind, with overflow only occurring during unusually heavy storms.
3. Preventing Runoff Disputes and Nuisance Issues
As local regulations tighten, especially in densely populated areas, we’re seeing more attention placed on responsible runoff management. Many towns are now enforcing nuisance ordinances that prevent homeowners from redirecting water—especially roof runoff—onto neighboring properties.
At Sunnyside, we take this seriously. Our team designs dry well systems with built-in overflow contingencies and multiple reconfiguration options. That way, if conditions change or a neighboring property is affected, the system can be adjusted without costly excavation. It’s all part of taking a proactive, holistic view of your property and its drainage behavior.
4. Creative, Space-Saving Installations
Not every property has a large open space for drainage solutions. In urban and suburban areas, space is a premium, which is why we’ve developed ways to hide dry wells under driveways, mulch beds, or even patios using horizontal underground chambers.
This not only saves valuable yard space—it protects infrastructure too. For instance, a well-designed dry well beneath your driveway base ensures that stormwater is safely dispersed without compromising the structural integrity of the pavement over time.
Avoiding Common Pitfalls
Not all dry wells are created equal—and unfortunately, we’re often called in to fix failed systems. One common scenario? A homeowner points to a yard drain that leads to a so-called “dry well” that’s completely underwater—even though it hasn’t rained in days.
This usually comes down to improper sizing or poor placement. A dry well must be designed with your soil type, drainage area, and runoff volume in mind. That’s why we take the time to assess all contributing factors and customize every installation for long-term performance—not just a quick fix.
Final Thoughts
Dry wells may seem simple, but when installed correctly, they can be one of the most effective and low-profile solutions in your drainage toolbox. Whether used alone or as part of a larger system, they must be properly sized, placed, and integrated to do their job well—especially in today’s tightly packed neighborhoods.
At Sunnyside Property Services, we’ve spent decades fine-tuning our approach to dry wells, and we’re confident in saying we’re several steps ahead of the competition. If you’re thinking about a dry well installation—or just want a second opinion—we’re here to help.
Give us a call at 860-620-2054, and let’s find the best solution for your stormwater challenges.
Sunnyside Property Services – Drying out Connecticut, one property at a time.