As masonry experts with years of experience handling drainage solutions across Long Island, we’ve seen firsthand the hidden costs of DIY dry well installations. While it might seem like a budget-friendly weekend project, the reality is that many of these DIY systems fail—and when they do, the cost to fix them far exceeds what it would have cost to do the job right the first time.
Why DIY Dry Wells Often Fail
The majority of dry well issues we encounter come down to improper sizing, poor material choices, and lack of proper drainage planning. A correctly installed dry well requires more than just digging a hole and dropping in a barrel. It must account for the type of soil, the volume of water being managed, and have proper filtration to avoid clogging. Without that, you’ll soon be dealing with water pooling, soggy pavers, sunken spots, or even flooding.
The Real Cost of Fixing a Faulty Dry Well
Once a DIY dry well fails, the repair process becomes more invasive and expensive:
- We have to carefully remove any pavers or hardscape elements above the well.
- The failed dry well must be fully excavated, sometimes under tight spaces or near structures.
- We then correctly size and install a new system with high-quality, long-lasting materials.
- Finally, we restore the paver surface to its original look, ensuring it's level, secure, and ready for long-term use.
All of this costs more than a single, professional install from the start—and comes with added stress and downtime.
See for Yourself
Take a look at our attached gallery to see what it actually takes to remove a faulty dry well and the precision required to reinstall one properly. You’ll also see how we professionally restore the paver surface, so it not only functions correctly but looks great too.
When it comes to underground drainage, the work you don’t see matters just as much as what’s visible on the surface. Don’t fall into the trap of DIY savings only to spend more later. Trust a qualified masonry professional to install it right the first time—because peace of mind is worth the investment.
Contact us today for an expert evaluation and a dry well solution that’s built to last.