How to Build Dry Wells

Building a Dry Well

• 1

  Dig a trench, about 18 to 24 inches deep, from the overflow point to the area where you want to place the well itself. Line the trench with the landscaping fabric or burlap.

• 2

  Dig your dry well, and when it is done, line the inside with the burlap or landscaping fabric, while making sure the edges overlap into the trench area. Make multiple holes in the sides of the trash can and place into the hole itself. Make one hole big enough for the drainpipe to fit into, ensuring that it's at the right spot to connect with the drain pipe when laid down.

• 3

  Fill the trash can with different sizes of the stones, making sure there is still plenty of collection room in the can or large bucket.

• 4

  Put small and medium sized rocks on the bottom of the trench to about 2 inches depth, then make a series of holes in the drainpipe before you put it into your trench, holed side down.

• 5

  Connect the drainage pipe to the container, lay in trench, cover both the trench and the receptacle with the garden fabric or burlap, cover with soil etc. and your installation is finished. Connect the other end of the drainage pipe to the outflow grate, making sure the filter screen is properly placed.