French Drain vs Dry Well: What To Choose?

Are you wondering what is the difference between a French Drain and a Dry Well? Well, if you are, you have come to the right place. French Drain and Dry Well are two of the most popular solutions when it comes to draining away rainwater.

In this article, we will delve deeper into the differences between the two drainage systems to help you select the best one for your situation.

A French Drain is a gravel-filled trench with a pipe at the bottom that collects water and moves it away from your home or property.

Dry Wells, on the other hand, are structures made for collecting and dispersing rainwater. Both can provide a way of managing water and keeping it away from your home or foundation.

However, there are several key differences between them that are worth noting.

Comparing French Drain and a Dry Well

Specification	French Drain	Dry Well
Purpose	A trench that collects and disperses water that accumulates in the ground.	A filled and sealed container that collects water and disperses it through a series of channels slowly.
Type	Mostly dry well systems.	Smaller well systems and a network of surface drains.
Main Function	Diverts water away from structures, preventing flooding.	Collects and stores water in order to use it later (recharge groundwater).
Sub-Surface Drainage	N/A	May be used for sub-surface drainage.
Positioning	Drain should be placed below the seeping water line.	Dry wells should be located uphill from the structures they are protecting, in an area where the water drain can be easily channeled.
Installation	More difficult to install, especially when working around existing structures.	Easiest and most affordable to install.
Maintenance	Requires periodic inspection and cleaning.	No regular maintenance needed.
Lifespan	25 to 50 years.	15 to 25 years.
Coverage Area	Medium to large.	Small.
Climate Changes & Temperatures	Requires trenching if temperatures dip.	Not affected by climate changes.

Both the French drain and the dry well are engineered water drainage systems designed to collect and disperse the water that accumulates in the soil. Though they’re similar in design, they function and behave differently.

It is important to understand the distinction between the two and to consider which type of drainage system will be most effective based on the situaton.

A French drain is a trench filled with gravel or rock, which functions as a pipe to collect and disperse water. It’s most often used as a means of collecting large areas of water that accumulates in the ground, typically by diverting surface runoff away from the structure its protecting.

It’s typically installed on a slope of land, below the seeping water line, and is generally more difficult for install.

Dry wells are containers filled with rocks and sealed at the top. They’re most often used to collect and store water, and disperse it through a series of channels, slowly releasing the water in order to recharge groundwater levels.

They’re usually much smaller than French drains and are easier to install, as they can be placed just about anywhere, as long as they’re installed uphill from the structures they’re protecting.

The French drain is a great solution for diverting water away from structures, while the dry well is the better option for collecting and storing water. It’s important to consider all the differences between the two systems before making a decision.

A detailed comparison table, like one provided above, can help to clearly demonstrate the technical differences between the two systems, as well as the situations that would make one option the ideal choice over the other.

French Drain vs Dry Well: What’s the Difference and How do They Work?

For those unfamiliar with the terms, trying to decide between a French drain and a dry well can seem like a daunting prospect. After all, these two names sound incredibly similar and yet they’re obviously different, so how can someone unfamiliar with these terms make a well-informed decision when it comes time to buy one or the other?

Thankfully, understanding the differences between a French drain and a dry well is actually quite easy once one has all the relevant information at her disposal.

What is a French Drain and How Does it Work?

A French drain is a type of drain often used as a perimeter or basement drain. Despite the name, this type of drain was actually developed in the United States by an American engineer by the name of Henry French.

This drain works by diverting water away from an area that’s prone to ground flooding or standing water buildup.

The primary materials used for a French drain are gravel and a perforated pipe. The perforated pipe is usually made out of PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and is designed to carry murky, gaseous water away from a particular area in your yard, basement, or elsewhere.

The pipe should always be installed in a sloping position, as it helps to encourage water flow. The gravel, meanwhile, keeps the perforated pipe in place by filling in some of the gaps and cracks atop the soil.

The basic idea behind a French drain is that it wants to move water quickly and efficiently, preferably downwards and away from the home. This is done by providing a pathway for the water to travel, so any water buildup will be able to get quickly transported away from an area with the help of gravity.

What is a Dry Well and How Does it Work?

A dry well is another type of drain, though its purpose couldn’t be more different than that of a French drain. Rather than removing water, a dry well intercepts the water as it passes by or through a particular area before sending it deep into the ground.

This type of drain is most often found in rocky, clay-filled areas or areas with higher ground.

A dry well consists of a large, cylindrical holding chamber that has been dug into the soil. This chamber is then filled with a drainage material, such as gravel, and a layer of concrete that’s given time to set.

Pipes from the area prone to water buildup or flooding can then be attached to the dry well, thus allowing them to intercept and collect any excess water, directing it into the well—hence the name.

Once the water reaches the holding chamber, it has two options: it can one, head down into deeper soil, or it can two, evaporate or be absorbed by the soil.

Regardless, the result is the same, as all excess water is quickly and efficiently removed from the targeted area.

The Pros and Cons of French Drains and Dry Wells

There are several key pros and cons for both of these draining types, some of which are outlined below:

French Drain Pros:

• Suitable for hilly or rocky terrain
• Can be used to reduce water buildup in an area, preventing floods
• Easy and relatively cheap to install
• Can be installed around the perimeter of an area, such as a basement or a yard

French Drain Cons:

• May require periodic cleaning and maintenance
• Can be difficult to move up or down slopes due to its large size
• Typically not the best option in areas with a lot of vegetation

Dry Well Pros:

• Can be used in areas with a lot of vegetation, rocks, and other obstructions
• Possibly cheaper than a French drain, depending on the area
• Keeps excess water out without having to expend too much energy in the process

Dry Well Cons:

• Could be detrimental to some plants if left unchecked
• Must be installed more or less perfectly, as even a slight miscalculation can impact performance
• Needs to be installed at the center of the dry area in order to function properly

Comparison of French Drain vs Dry Well

When it comes down to it, the main difference between a French drain and a dry well is that the former is a ready-made drainage solution for areas with standing water, while the latter is designed to divert water away from an area without having to constantly remove it.

In terms of value, both types of drain actually offer similar benefits, depending on the environment. A French drain, for example, may be more suitable for an area with a large amount of underground water whereas a dry well might work better in an area with a lot of rocks and vegetation.

Where installation is concerned, both types of drain require some form of digging. A French drain needs a footprint of roughly 15” wide by 15” long, whereas a dry well requires a deeper and wider footprint.

In terms of difficulty, however, installing either drain may depend on the condition of the soil and the environment and exceeds the scope of this article.

To French Drain or Dry Well? That is the Question

At the end of the day, the choice between a French drain and a dry well is both subjective and highly dependent on the environment.

Those who live in an area with a lot of vegetation may find a dry well to be more suitable, while those with a lot of underground water might find that a French drain is more effective.

It is worth noting, however, that deciding between the two may require a bit more effort than simply comparing their respective advantages and disadvantages. As such, it is generally recommended that one should consult a professional before making a decision.

In most cases, a professional will have the tools and the expertise to determine the type of drain that’s most suited to an individual’s particular circumstances.

As such, it is always preferable to have some form of expert guidance when it comes to this type of decision, as it allows one to make a well-considered decision without having to worry about damaging one’s home or property.

Key Differences Between French Drain and Dry Well

A French drain and a dry well are two methods used to manage surface runoff and groundwater, which can affect landscapes and buildings. Both methods are designed to remove excess water away from the ground, but how they operate and the benefits they offer can vary.

This article will explain the key differences between French drain and dry well, their installation requirements, as well as their effectiveness.

Installation and Structures

The most obvious difference between French drains and dry wells is the way they are installed. French drains have visible trenches that run due to gravity, whereas dry wells are buried in the ground and receive water from a pipe. A French drain consists of a perforated pipe surrounded by rocks, gravel and/or soil of various sizes.

This creates a pathway for surface water to flow away from the affected area. A dry well is a pit, approximately 3 to 6 feet deep and filled with rocks or other detritus. The well collects surface runoff then drains down to the water table, recharging groundwater levels.

Costs

When considering costs, both options can be expensive depending on the size of the job. French drains typically require more material (gravel and stone) and specialized contractors. Labor outlay is higher with a French drain as well because right materials and procedures must be followed to ensure a successful installation.

On the other hand, dry wells are easier to install with less materials, making them a cheaper option.

Maintenance

French drains require little to no maintenance upon installation. The pipes are self-cleaning and can last for years without any maintenance.

Dry wells on the other hand, require a certain level of maintenance, especially if they become clogged with debris. Regularly checking the well for clogs and flushing it out with water can help keep the well-functioning properly.

Effectiveness

French drains are the preferred choice for most water management projects because they are more effective at removing excess water from the site. The open trench allows water to move quickly through the pipe and away from the affected area.

In comparison, dry wells are less efficient because the water must pass through the detritus before it can be absorbed into the ground.

Placement

The placement of the drain or well is also another factor to consider when choosing between the two methods. French drains are ideal for areas that are not prone to flooding or where water moves downhill.

Dry wells are best suited for areas where flooding is frequent and where water can move through the well before draining into the ground.

There are many key differences between French drain and dry well that should be taken into consideration when determining the best method of water management for a particular site. French drains are more effective at managing surface runoff and can be ideal for areas where landscaping or flooding is not an issue.

Dry wells are cheaper in the long-term and better suited for sites that tend to flood regularly. Ultimately, both have their advantages and disadvantages, and choosing the right method for your project will ultimately depend on the site’s specific needs.

FAQs About French Drain and Dry Well

Wrapping Things Up

When it comes to finding the perfect solution for water drainage from your property, the choice between a french drain and a dry well is all about understanding the landscape and the water flow patterns. French drains are excellent for helping to redirect subterranean water, while dry wells are great for efficiently managing runoff water and redirecting it away from impervious surfaces and your home.

Ultimately, both techniques can be valuable tools for keeping your property and your home safe from flood damage, but the decision of which one to choose should be based on where you live and the unique needs of your property.