The Problem:

The homeowner in Brooklyn was dealing with ongoing water issues near the front of the house. Water was not draining properly and there was concern that it could move toward the interior living space.

The customer shared that the existing drywell was not working. The exact cause was unknown, but it was likely clogged or collapsed due to age and soil conditions. There was also a concern that if the concrete slab was not pitched the right way, water could still flow inside even if the drywell was working.

Before starting any work, our team planned a water test to confirm that the concrete slab was pitched correctly. A visual inspection showed the slab appeared properly pitched, and no slab adjustment was expected. Any unexpected slab issues would be reported to the owner, but they were not part of this scope.

Our Solution:

Our Zavza Seal team followed a step by step approach to fix the drainage problem the right way.

First, we saw cut and removed a section of the concrete slab in the front area. The opening measured about 50 inches long and 26 inches wide. All broken concrete was safely removed and disposed of.

Next, we excavated deep enough to install two new 50 gallon drywells. These drywells were placed on top of a well compacted 24 inch thick gravel base. The drywells were designed with holes at the bottom only, not on the sides. This helps water drain downward while preventing soil voids from forming around the system.

We then installed all required plumbing connections and fittings to ensure proper water flow. After the system was set, we backfilled the area and poured 4 inches of reinforced concrete to restore the slab.

Finally, we reinstalled the existing steel grate, removed all debris, and broom cleaned the area to leave the site clean and safe.

The Result:

The new drywell system restored proper drainage in the front area of the home. Surface water now flows into the drywells and disperses safely into the ground. This reduces the risk of water entering the living space and helps protect the home foundation.

The homeowner now has a reliable drainage solution built to handle Brooklyn soil conditions and heavy rain events.

Why This Matters for Brooklyn Homes?

Many Brooklyn properties rely on older drywells that clog or collapse over time. When these systems fail, water can build up near the foundation and cause leaks, mold, or structural damage. Proper drywell design and installation is critical to avoid repeat problems