Install a Dry Well | How To

In this one, I show you how to install a drainage and drywell system. This is part 2 of the outdoor shower build. Check out Part 1 if you missed it: • Build an Outdoor Showe...
Items used in this video:
Drywell kit: amzn.to/31Co0PL
Pipe adapter: amzn.to/3gG07wZ
Drain basin: amzn.to/30ETaGC
Atrium grate: amzn.to/31wIWHL
Downspout adapter: amzn.to/33GAbh2
Piping: amzn.to/2DAtfqT
Basin top grate: amzn.to/33E1zfy
Post hole digger: amzn.to/2XfPAk7
Shovel: amzn.to/31wJAFb
My Camera Gear:
Canon M50: amzn.to/2PdqqhO
Mic: amzn.to/33jqXae
Tripod: amzn.to/3k4w3wP
#drywell
#drainage
#outdoorshower

[@fixitwithzim]

Drywell kit: amzn.to/31Co0PL Pipe adapter: amzn.to/3gG07wZ Drain basin: amzn.to/30ETaGC Atrium grate: amzn.to/31wIWHL Downspout adapter: amzn.to/33GAbh2 Piping: amzn.to/2DAtfqT Basin top grate: amzn.to/33E1zfy Post hole digger: amzn.to/2XfPAk7 Shovel: amzn.to/31wJAFb Canon M50: amzn.to/2PdqqhO Mic: amzn.to/33jqXae Tripod: amzn.to/3k4w3wP

[@daveyoung5257]

Why do you you open the holes on the side and cover with weed block felt

[@fixitwithzim]

@@daveyoung5257 I didn’t need the extra capacity on this one bit yes, that would be the way to go if you needed. Thanks for the comment

[@robertcasey7312]

GREAT!!! I’m sincerely grateful for the excellent videos on your generous channel. I’ve wanted an outdoor shower forever. It’s finally happening. Best Wishes.

[@skeepee]

Hey, thanks a lot for taking them time to record and explain your project while you were doing It. I know it slows your down a bit but you’re really helping out other people and we appreciate it!

[@fixitwithzim]

Thank you. Yes, that something no one understands unless they make videos. The whole process is longer when filming.

[@neldel2873]

I had to keep on reminding my Texan’s ears that you meant dry well, I kept on hearing dry wall, gotta love that northern accent. Thanks for the in-depth video, I’m doing a smaller one for an outside sink.

[@jimmy.shnoogen]

My landscaper quoted me over $1000 to install a dry well and regrade a 4x10 area. Immediately found your video and gained the confidence to do it myself! Many thanks from a neighbor in Westbury!

[@ChristianHartman]

$6500 in my area. Rhode Island

[@bf3madestro]

Nice video. Thank you for posting. I followed it and installed one today. Everything worked out as described. Quick advise for others: The drywell piece is hard to keep together so what I ended up doing is tying the last tab at the bottom (the parts clip on together) with a zip tie on all three joints. It kept it together quite nicely. I also used a popup emitter on top. Also, don't underestimate how much dirt you dig out. Make sure you have a plan for that.

[@thewilhiteclan5613]

great video! very informative an good quality. thank you for taking the time to make it!

[@bslorbust]

Had to subscribe after seeing the kids at work. Lolol. Love it. Awesome video

[@kbeg132]

Awesome video! Thank you for taking the time to do it. You helped me a lot with my install.

[@fixitwithzim]

You’re welcome. Glad to help!

[@irismarie6515]

Best demonstration I’ve seen. Thank you.

[@fixitwithzim]

Thanks! Yes I agree. The sides are hard to keep together until it’s set in the ground. I’ve used self tapping screws in the past too. Zip a couple in on each joint and it will hold the basin together until you backfill. Yes, it never looks like a lot of dirt until you have to move it somewhere.

[@MtnBadger]

All that work and money and you didn't use soil separator, permeable fabric to wrap your dry well or in the trenches... The soil will work its way into the dry well and into the drain system. Great job, key ingredient missed.

[@chrisbowling27]

Great video! You did an excellent job explaining everything. Only thing I would suggest is calling 811 before you dig. That's coming from someone that knocked out my cable and the neighbors using an auger.

[@steveambrose9209]

perfect walk through, thank you for the help!

[@fixitwithzim]

Thanks, glad you liked the video!

[@tarynsanmartino8930]

Thanks for this video! That was quite a bit of nice work there. Trying to wrap my head around proper drainage needed for the down spouts, washing machine, and sink in the basement. Old one is having troubles. Pretty sure I won't be able to tackle this one myself. Fall is here and winter shortly behind in NE. Going to need some help!

[@antonios4926]

Thanks for the video. From Cyprus

[@fixitwithzim]

You’re welcome, thank you!!

[@mr.canada]

This was helpful. I applied black chaulking the evening before the installation along all the tabs to stabilize the drywell so it would not unlock.

[@fixitwithzim]

That’s a good idea. Thanks for the tip!

[@christopherdekonstrukt444]

Have a big depression where a Camphor tree used to be so this will be a perfect place to put a dry well.

[@kaylaglauber8063]

Good video very very helpful please make more

[@fixitwithzim]

Thank you!!!

[@MrClaudehammond]

Those connections for corraogaded pipe can leak all the water you put in it if the flow is slow. Should always use "Tile Tape" to seal the connections. It is like Flex Tape but made for the pipe and sold next to the pipe. Also a "Y" instead of a "T" would help with flow. Maybe not needed for your install though. Thanks for the video!

[@justtruth8310]

Hi Great video. How did you establish the ability of the soil to take the water and seep it into the ground below the tank? I am debating this as I prepare to install my tank. If the ground below can not take the water that would be a concern. Thanks and great work!

[@tonydidonato160]

On the box it shows a bottom 24in round cap that could or should be installed, in the video it does not show installing the FWBP24 Flow well bottom, is it a good idea to install the bottom cap

[@joemorales9093]

Nice work!....what size well & size drain pipe would u go w/ for a standard washing machine?....also....washing machine is ground level...do u still need that usual pipe that's a vent(I think it's acts as a vent for drain)....how far from house as well?...I'm just trying to get an idea on things before I'd do this...I also gotta go under a smaller-width side walk for drain line....anyways,any info is appreciated & again real nice job!....

[@brianreip411]

would you recommend anything different for a drywell for down spouts that would be black topped? Before they pave my driveway I want to install 2 drywells for drainage of the 2 downspouts that would otherwise drain on the driveway. would you still keep the drywell hollow if black top will be over the top and cars driving on top of it?

[@rehanadam-so4xd]

Good job 👍🏻

[@fixitwithzim]

Thank you!

[@andreag1271]

Hi! Fellow Long Islander. We have a dry well just for our laundry. I’d like to put pavers in the backyard. Is it okay to put pavers on top of a dry well or does it need to be relocated first? Thanks!

[@chevyss8288]

Sorry for my ignorance, but how does the water dry out in this dry well and how long would that take to dry out completely?

[@schaeferlawncarepropertyma4898]

Nice very helpful video. I miss long island soil. We moved from Lynbrook (after 37 years) to Pennsylvania. We have clay and tons of red shale sand have to use a fence pole auger to get down if not using a small excavator.

[@syedgnaqvi2588]

Great, I loved it, many thanks and blessings!

[@fixitwithzim]

Thank you!!

[@user-vi9zw8hd1d]

Can uou bury the entire dry well and let the water flow underground into the soil a way from the house?

[@MrBchristopher]

thanks for the video. one question for you. have you had any problems since installing at all? i too live on long island (south shore) and am planning on installing this dry well in my backyard and from what ive seen and have been told is its best to fill the dry well surrounding with pee pebbles or the ez flow tube system but with out the tube and only the aggregate. so, since you filled the surrounding with this great long island soil does the water still drain well and does it effect your grass growth?

[@fixitwithzim]

Hey man, yes...if you need the extra capacity during heavy rains, I’d recommend punching out the knockouts and backfilling with pee gravel. I’ve installed a bunch this way. Didn’t do it in this particular install as I didn’t feel it was needed. A year later and no issues! It’s still working great.

[@MrBchristopher]

@@fixitwithzim punch out the knockouts so the pebbles go inside the well?

[@frankrizzo5594]

@@MrBchristopher I would recommend wrapping the dry well in landscaping fabric is you are going to punch the holes out.

[@davemail]

@@frankrizzo5594 The dry well manufacturer makes a point of saying that their dry well has a much higher capacity than a stone/gravel filled hole (as it is an empty void). So, yes, use woven geotextile fabric - wrap the dry well with the fabric. Then fill the space around the wrapped dry well with the "pebbles." You're golden.

[@keithowen4698]

Hey man, great video. I have a question--would it make sense to dig the dry well into the ground underneath the drain, then run the pipe from the dry wall out ~ 20 ft if you have a good spot to drain it from there?

[@rw1355]

Keep water away from foundation

[@davidpalanker5701]

Do u ever use 3/4 trap rock at bottom of well or on outside of well between well and hole wall?

[@jaspercats]

All the videos I seen use rock on the bottom and sides, seem like the sand would eventually get hard packed and not drain well

[@coachanthonyburgos3971]

I’m doing this same thing for an outdoor sink I’m building

[@Goodvibes-Adventures]

Great job 👍. Just curious. Why didn't you wrap the dry well with fabric and place stone between dry well and outside ground..And you could have ran a overflow length with a pop up outlet.

[@fixitwithzim]

Thanks. I’ve done it both ways. On this particular install, the bottom was all sand and drains pretty well without backfilling with gravel.

[@bernardaflores1720]

The corrugated pipe will get fill w/ seeds from the gutters and destroy after some time. PCV is much better you can actually rod it if needed!

[@fixitwithzim]

You can water jet corrugated pipe pretty easily. Thanks for the comment!

[@TheNWSCOTT]

hey buddy i work on powerlines in texas we have a tool called slapsticks there 10 feet long we use them to dig holes for power poles buy a set for yourself for your holes you wont regret it !!

[@fixitwithzim]

Thanks for the tip man! 👍🏻

[@ridingvenus]

8:54 My grass on Franch Venus is up to 8” deep in the soil…it’s probably required to go at least 8” for most “natural” agriculture here near the Grand Canyon.

[@weiyu2865]

I dig a 3 ft deep well and let sump pump water run into to test it after 12 hrs 80% filled, ground very very slow to drain , I am not sure it's work for me to do a dry well of sump pump?

[@fixitwithzim]

This method is only good with decent soil conditions. Ideally sand, rock, etc. Clay would be an issue if you have

[@marcosnegron4241]

I’m curious how is the water not back flowing with pipping being lower than the opening on the top?

[@fixitwithzim]

Elevation change. The outlet on top of the well is lower then the pipe inlets on the other side

[@larryconover3925]

what type of soil do you have?? clay? sandy?

[@fixitwithzim]

A small clay layer but all sand under that. My yard has pretty decent drainage thankfully.

[@ThatPatriot]

Great video, just gave a question, will water sit in the dry well and end up with a mosquito infestion?

[@fixitwithzim]

It shouldn’t. Ideally these work well in conditions where the subsoil is sand. You’ll need to dig down past the clay layer for good drainage.

[@bslorbust]

Do you work in NJ?

[@jimmydavis8009]

That is got to be the easiest dirt to shovel I've ever seen. Lucky you man, I'm stuck with nothing but Georgia red clay. Have to have a pick to dig it and it doesn't absorb water for shit. Any suggestions on what I can do?

[@fixitwithzim]

I did get lucky with this dig but I’ve been in situations with clay, massive tree roots, and rocks. And chance you can get to sand at some point under the clay?

[@H0kieJoe]

Nice video. The only thing I would worry about is driving a 1000lb zero turn mower near the top drain.

[@fixitwithzim]

Thanks. I’ve driven a pickup over it loaded with rock for a wall I built in the yard. Forgot all about it until after the fact. It survived with no issues 👍🏻

[@H0kieJoe]

@@fixitwithzim Good stuff. Thanks for responding.

[@codyharris3741]

Can this be used with a washing machine

[@fixitwithzim]

Yes, I’ve done that in the past and it works great

[@kevinkall8547]

someone is putting an outside shower in the suburbs? HELLO!

[@Kate-gx5yc]

👍

[@paullogieri248]

I'm guessing you're not anywhere east of the Connecticut River, and it's not just the way you speak. You haven't hit a rock any bigger than a golf ball. :))

[@relevant.c5411]

why not use cobblestone instead of sand?

[@fixitwithzim]

You can, whatever works for you!

[@supjay3945]

So what happens when it fills up with water?

[@fixitwithzim]

I’m assuming you didn’t watch the whole video? 🧐

[@choicegospelnetwork]

You didn't cut out smaller drain holes, Why ?

[@fixitwithzim]

I’ve done it both ways…some with the holes punched out with gravel backfill for extra capacity when needed and other times like I did in the video when it’s not needed. Lots of different ways to install these.

[@choicegospelnetwork]

@@fixitwithzim Thanks for your reply. I like your work.

[@jeffreykarl2865]

Should have a bottom with no drain holes, drainage should be from sides,and sand makes poor to little drainage compared to gravel,sand is gonna drain very, very slowly

[@weiyu2865]

I dig a 3 ft deep well and let sump pump water run into to test it after 12 hrs 80% filled, ground very very slow to drain , I am not sure it's work for me to do a dry well of sump pump?

[@mrdude3540]

If your installing that big of an area it needs to go deeper or someone will step over and fall in. About 8" more or unless you put some wood over to create a flange so stepping over will be stepping on ground

[@seeya205]

You are supposed pop out those holes and surround it in gravel for proper drainage. Also, there is a bottom that goes on that.

[@robsolo4024]

You never put the felt paper around the outside for the knockouts so the water can drain. Those knockout holes are going to get filled with dirt and the water is not going to dream big mistake.

[@fixitwithzim]

Nahh, don’t sweat it. Still working great my man 👍🏻

[@paulbeeker9515]

🤷🤷🤷🥺🥺🥺 Should have put stone on the outside of that tube , tub.

[@fixitwithzim]

I’ve done it both ways…some with stone for extra capacity and other times (like the video) with no stone if it wasn’t needed. This particular install was all sand and for the anticipated usage, wasn’t all that necessary to add stone

[@JohnnyYorga]

"solid half an hour of digging" lol youre good but not that good

[@fixitwithzim]

All sand thankfully so it was an easy dig but yeah, maybe a bit more then 30 min