Maintenance Guides / Plumbing & Water

Inspect Stormwater Drywell for Sediment and Blockage

Difficulty: easyTime: 30 mins

Why it matters

Drywells silt up over 5–10 years, blocking drainage and causing pooling, foundation damage, and flooding. A clogged drywell can be pumped out for $300–500 instead of replaced for $3,000+.

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How to do it

  • 1

    Locate your stormwater drywell (often a grated inlet near the downspout or foundation).

  • 2

    Remove the grate and visually inspect the well for standing water, sediment, or debris.

  • 3

    If water is present or drains slowly, the drywell is silting up.

  • 4

    Check the daylight outlet or sump connection (confirm it drains to daylight or a sump pit).

  • 5

    If the well is heavily silted (>12 inches of mud), call a drainage contractor for cleaning or pumping (~$300–500).

  • 6

    If sediment is light (<3 inches), carefully remove it by hand or small shovel; avoid damaging the perforated well walls.