Dry Well Installations

When you invest in a basement waterproofing system, managing where the water goes is just as important as keeping it out of your home. That’s where a dry well can make all the difference. At Drycrete Waterproofing, we install dry wells to help Massachusetts and Rhode Island homeowners safely direct sump pump discharge away from their foundations—protecting your home and yard from unwanted water.

If you already have a sump pump or are planning a new basement waterproofing system, a dry well may be the perfect addition to keep your property dry and compliant.

Installing a dry well

What is a Dry Well?

A dry well is an underground structure designed to collect and gradually disperse water into the surrounding soil. In basement waterproofing, it’s typically used to manage water discharged from a sump pump.

Rather than sending pumped water onto your lawn, driveway, or into the street, where it can freeze, pool, or recirculate back toward your foundation, a dry well captures that water underground and allows it to drain safely over time.

Most dry wells consist of a perforated barrel or stone-filled pit installed several feet underground and connected to your sump pump discharge line.

A dry well dug with trenches

How a Dry Well Works

Once water enters the sump pit inside your basement and is pumped out by your sump pump, it travels through a buried discharge line leading to the dry well.

As water enters the dry well, it temporarily collects within the chamber or surrounding stone, then gradually seeps into the soil below the frost line. This keeps the water away from your foundation and reduces surface runoff on your property.

A properly sized and installed dry well provides a controlled and reliable outlet for your waterproofing system, even during heavy rains or snowmelt.

Signs You May Need a dry well

Many homeowners don’t realize they need a dry well until drainage problems start appearing outside the home. If you’ve noticed sump pump discharge pooling near your foundation, collecting in low spots in your yard, or running across sidewalks or driveways, a dry well may be the solution. In some cases, recycled water can flow back toward your home, causing your sump pump to cycle excessively. Local codes in many Massachusetts and Rhode Island communities also prohibit discharging water onto public sidewalks or streets, making a dry well an important part of compliance. If you’re seeing any of these issues or simply want to ensure your waterproofing system is working as efficiently as possible, a dry well can help protect your home and property.

Benefits of installing a dry well

Adding a dry well to your sump pump system offers several key advantages:

  • Protects your foundation by keeping discharge water away from the home

  • Reduces surface water issues on your property and the surrounding areas

  • Helps prevent sump pump cycling by reducing water recirculation

  • Improves yard drainage and helps avoid pooling or freezing hazards

  • Supports code compliance in communities that restrict discharge locations

  • Provides a long-term solution that works year-round, even during wet seasons

A dry well is a simple addition that can greatly enhance the effectiveness of your waterproofing system—and help protect your investment.

How Drycrete Installs a dry well

 

At Drycrete Waterproofing, we custom-size and install each dry well to fit your property’s needs and your sump pump system. Every installation starts with a careful site evaluation to ensure long-term performance and compliance with local drainage codes.

Once we identify the ideal location—well away from your home’s foundation, utilities, and sensitive areas—we excavate to the proper depth below the frost line. Depending on your soil conditions, we install either a perforated barrel or a stone-filled pit designed to promote efficient water dispersion.

We then trench and connect a sealed, heavy-duty discharge line from your sump pump to the dry well, ensuring proper slope and flow. The discharge line is tested to confirm reliable movement of water from the pump to the well.

After installation, we carefully backfill and compact the soil, restoring your yard as cleanly as possible. The final system allows water to safely disperse underground without risking surface pooling or water recycling back toward your foundation.

With Drycrete’s expert installation, your dry well will provide dependable, year-round protection, enhancing the performance of your entire waterproofing system.

trust drycrete waterproofing for basement waterproofing

Managing water around your home doesn’t stop at the foundation wall. With a professionally installed dry well, you can ensure your sump pump discharge is handled safely, keeping your basement dry and your property protected. As a trusted basement waterproofing contractor serving Massachusetts and Rhode Island, Drycrete Waterproofing installs dry wells as part of complete, engineered solutions tailored to your home. If you’re considering a new waterproofing system or looking to improve your existing setup, contact us today. We’ll evaluate your needs and provide a clear, upfront cost estimate, so you can make the best decision for your home.

Serving Massachusetts and Rhode Island homeowners with trusted waterproofing solutions. Call us today to schedule your free consultation.

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