Backyard Drainage Solution by Zavza Seal

Project Overview:

A homeowner in Brooklyn contacted Zavza Seal because water was collecting in their backyard and moving toward the house during heavy rain. The water had nowhere to go. Over time, this created pooling near the foundation and risk of basement leaks.

Our team designed and installed a complete drainage system that included a custom dry well and a new storm channel to safely redirect and store rainwater.

This case study explains the problem and how we solved it.

The Problem:

The property had several drainage issues:

• Rainwater flowing from the backyard toward the home
  
• Poor soil grading near the concrete slab
  
• An outdated perforated underground pipe
  
• No proper underground water storage system
  

Water pooling near a foundation can lead to serious structural problems. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, poor drainage around a home increases the risk of basement flooding and foundation damage.

The homeowner needed a long term drainage solution that would safely collect and redirect stormwater away from the house.

Our Solution:

We created a two part system:

1. A large capacity dry well
   
2. A properly graded storm channel system
   

Together, these systems collect, move, and safely store rainwater underground.

Part 1: Custom Dry Well Installation

Excavation

We excavated the area deep and wide enough to install a dry well measuring:

• 80 inches long
  
• 64 inches wide
  
• 44 inches deep
  

The water capacity of this dry well is approximately 1,000 gallons. This provides strong protection during heavy rainstorms.

Structural Base

To ensure long term durability, we:

• Installed a 12 inch by 12 inch steel wire reinforced footing
  
• Poured a 12 inch bed of gravel inside the footing
  
• Built cinder block walls on top of the footing
  

This created a strong underground chamber capable of handling soil pressure and water load.

Drainage Connections

We upgraded and connected multiple drainage lines:

• Replaced the old perforated underground pipe with a solid drainage pipe
  
• Connected the existing ejector pipe from the sump pump to the dry well
  
• Connected the release pipe from the newly installed storm channel to the dry well
  

This ensures all collected water flows directly into the dry well.

Protective Cover

We installed four custom made concrete slabs measuring 20 inches by 64 inches by 3 inches to securely cover the dry well.

This completed the underground water storage system.

Part 2: Storm Channel Installation

To prevent surface water from reaching the foundation, we installed a storm channel system along the west edge of the concrete slab.

Storm Channel Placement

The storm channel was positioned to collect water flowing eastward from the backyard toward the house.

Proper Grading

We graded approximately 4 to 5 feet of soil next to the storm channel. The soil was sloped downward toward the channel so rainwater naturally flows into it.

We also:

• Installed a soil separator
  
• Added gravel to prevent dirt from entering the channel
  
• Installed a storm channel grate with a filter underneath
  

This prevents clogging and keeps the system working efficiently.

Underground Release Pipe

We installed a solid PVC pipe underground to connect the storm channel directly to the dry well.

This creates a complete flow system:

Rainwater → Storm Channel → PVC Pipe → Dry Well

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, proper stormwater management reduces erosion, foundation damage, and urban flooding.

The Result:

After installation:

• Backyard water no longer flows toward the house
  
• Surface water is collected immediately
  
• Rainwater is stored safely underground
  
• The foundation is protected from water buildup
  

The homeowner now has a reliable drainage system built to handle heavy Brooklyn rainstorms.

Why Drainage Systems Are Critical in Brooklyn?

Many homes in Brooklyn have tight lots and limited yard space. Without proper grading and underground storage, stormwater can quickly overwhelm a property.

A professionally installed dry well and storm channel system protects:

• Foundations
  
• Basements
  
• Concrete slabs
  
• Landscaping
  

Need a Dry Well or Storm Drain System in Brooklyn, NY?

At Zavza Seal, we design custom drainage solutions based on your property layout and water flow patwterns. We focus on permanent solutions that protect your home long term.

If you are experiencing backyard flooding or foundation water issues in Brooklyn, contact Zavza Seal today for a professional evaluation.