Dry wells require little in the way of regular maintenance beyond periodic inspection and cleaning. One of the main issues to look out for is the presence of leaves or other debris clogging the lid of the dry well. If any litter is preventing runoff from draining into the dry well, simply move it out of the way and clean the lid as necessary.
Another common dry well problem, particularly in older dry wells, is the buildup of sediment inside the shaft. Over time, dirt and other debris can accumulate at the bottom of the well, preventing collected water from filtering into the soil. Check your dry well regularly for any standing water. A properly functioning well should be able to process runoff in 72 hours or less — if water remains longer after rainfall, it likely indicates your dry well is due for cleaning.
