French drains and dry wells solve different parts of a drainage problem. A French drain collects and redirects unwanted groundwater, while a dry well receives stormwater and provides underground storage and infiltration where site conditions permit.
In some drainage systems, both can work together. Choosing the right approach starts with understanding where the water comes from, how it moves across the property and where it can appropriately go.
Collects groundwater or subsurface water and redirects it away from a problem area.
Receives collected stormwater, stores it underground and allows infiltration where conditions are appropriate.
The key distinction is simple: a French drain primarily collects and transports water, while a dry well primarily provides a destination for collected water.
A French drain commonly uses perforated drainage pipe in a stone-filled trench to intercept unwanted subsurface water.
A dry well receives collected stormwater and provides underground storage while water infiltrates into surrounding soil where conditions allow.
French drain installation designed to collect and redirect unwanted water.
A French drain may be appropriate when groundwater or subsurface water repeatedly saturates a particular area.
A dry well can be useful when stormwater has already been collected and an appropriate underground storage and infiltration location is needed.
Water from downspouts, catch basins or other drainage components may be directed to an underground system. The design depends on the volume of water, available space, elevations, soil conditions and other property-specific factors.
Underground stormwater systems can provide storage and infiltration as part of a property-specific drainage design.
Yes. In some drainage designs, the two systems perform different jobs within the same overall drainage plan.
Groundwater or subsurface water saturates part of the property.
The drainage trench intercepts the unwanted water.
Collected water is transported away from the problem area.
An appropriate outlet or infiltration system receives the water.
Larger stormwater volumes may require more underground storage than a small conventional dry well can provide.
CULTEC stormwater chambers can be incorporated into underground stormwater storage and infiltration systems. Depending on the property and system design, water collected from roof drainage, catch basins or other drainage components may be directed toward an appropriately designed chamber system.
Heneghan Services installs CULTEC systems as part of residential stormwater and drainage projects where site conditions and system requirements call for them.
Underground chamber systems can provide additional stormwater storage where the project requires greater capacity.
Start with the water problem rather than choosing a drainage product first.
Determine whether you're dealing with groundwater, roof runoff, surface runoff or another source.
A wet lawn, foundation area, driveway and low point can require different approaches.
A drainage system needs an appropriate destination for the water it collects.
Soil conditions affect how readily water can infiltrate and whether infiltration is appropriate.
Drainage area and stormwater volume influence the required capacity of a system.
Existing downspouts, catch basins, sump pumps and drainage pipes should be considered.
There isn't a universal answer because these systems perform different functions and installation conditions vary from property to property.
French drain costs can be affected by trench length, excavation depth, access, drainage pipe, stone, disposal and restoration. Dry-well costs can depend on storage requirements, excavation, system type, piping, access, soil conditions and restoration.
Two nearby homes can experience similar water problems and still require different drainage solutions.
Elevation, soil, roof area, landscaping, retaining walls, existing drainage and the natural direction of water movement can all affect system design.
Heneghan Services evaluates drainage and stormwater problems throughout Fairfield County, Connecticut and Westchester County, New York.
No. A French drain generally collects and redirects groundwater or subsurface water. A dry well generally provides underground storage and infiltration for collected stormwater.
In some drainage designs, collected water can be directed toward an underground infiltration system. Whether that is appropriate depends on site conditions, soil, elevation, water volume and overall system design.
It depends on why the yard is wet. If groundwater is saturating the area, a French drain may be considered. If collected stormwater needs underground storage, a dry well or another infiltration system may be appropriate.
Dry wells and other infiltration systems can be used for roof runoff where site conditions and system design are appropriate.
No. Standing water can result from grading, roof runoff, groundwater, existing drainage problems and other conditions. The cause should be identified before choosing the solution.
Underground chamber systems may be considered when a drainage design requires greater stormwater storage or infiltration capacity. The appropriate system depends on project and site requirements.
Start by identifying the water problem. Heneghan Services can evaluate the property and determine which drainage approach is appropriate for the site.