What comes to your mind when asked about the plumbing in your house? Other indoor facilities, such as toilets, showers, sinks, and dishwashers? What about the house's exterior plumbing? A drainage system is a crucial part of the entire plumbing system in many residences.

Dry wells and catch basins are two popular residential drainage techniques. They operate significantly differently, even though they have some characteristics.

What do dry wells and catch basins have in common?

Let's start by discussing the similarities between the two drainage systems. Dry wells and catch basins are both intended to divert water away from your property. This could stop the water from flooding your basement, seeping into your foundation, and creating damage. Correctly diverting the water can help address problem areas of your lawn that are perpetually damp. The way the systems are constructed also shares some elements. Pipes, grates, and various water-holding locations may be present in both.

What distinguishes a catch basin?

A catch basin will often be buried at a low area on your land. A grate at ground level prevents leaves and other large bits of runoff material from entering while allowing water to pass through. Water enters a storage tank made of concrete or plastic after flowing down the inlet. The water can then be released into a nearby water source or area for evaporation or piped into a municipal system.

Debris can build up in the basin over time, which may result in a clog or foul odor emanating from the grate. This issue can be resolved by routinely clearing the basin of sediment.

What distinguishes a dry well?

Various sorts of water from roofs, gutters, paved surfaces, septic tanks, and indoor plumbing fixtures are intended to be moved by a dry well. A hole is excavated for the dry well, which is subsequently fortified with sturdy materials like stone, bricks, or concrete. Normally, the pit is four to ten feet wide and six to eight feet deep.

A grate or pipe leading from another area of the property can bring water into the dry well. The earth in the area slowly absorbs the water as it slowly seeps into the well, allowing the water to be naturally filtered. To help a septic system function better or to resolve floods on a lawn, dry wells might be employed. The drawback of dry wells is that they may become clogged with leaves and other runoff waste. Additionally, if your property has a high water table or a severe storm, it may become overburdened.

Do you require a drainage system for your home?

Installing a catch basin or dry well could dramatically improve the drainage of your property if you have a sloped yard or frequently find standing water in your grass (especially if it's close to the foundation).

Which one fits you best? Although catch basins and dry wells have some similarities, they serve different purposes and have different functions. So it's best to consult a drainage expert to choose the solution that would work best for you.