4 Window Well Drainage Problems and How to Solve Them

You head down to the basement to start a load of laundry on a dreary, rainy day, but a little splashing sound stops you in your track. When you notice flooding in the basement, it could be a sign that something is wrong with the window well drainage. But how can you find the problem? Read on for a guide to the most common window well drainage problems and the next steps you can take to solve them.

What Is a Window Well?

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A window well is an excavated area around basement egress windows that allow light to come into the underground space while also providing space for emergency evacuation. The window well has a draining system to allow water to flow away from the basement, instead directing the water to a sump pump or storm sewers. 

According to the International Residential Code (IRC), egress window code requires that these windows must have window wells to help people evacuate in case of an emergency. Window well floor space has to be at least 9 square feet. Window wells need ladders if they are deeper than 44 inches, and if there is a ladder, the steps have to be a minimum of 12 inches wide.

Because window wells are so important for safety, it’s important to hire a local window contractor to install them and make repairs. You can expect to spend about $2,500 to $5,300 on the cost to install an egress window, including $1,500 to $3,000 to excavate a window well.

1. Insufficient Drainage Systems

When you notice flooding in the window well or basement, it could mean there is a problem with the window well gravel or a lack of a good drainage system, especially if you or the previous homeowner installed the window wells without a professional.

The window well typically contains loose gravel to allow for drainage. If the water isn’t draining, the gravel could be too compact. 

The window well should also have a proper drainage system that includes exterior or interior drains. Exterior drains are placed at the bottom of the window well and connect to the weeping tile, while interior drains move water to the sump pump.

Solution

When insufficient drainage is the problem, it’s time to call in a professional window contractor to take a look. The window well drainage system could be set up improperly or missing entirely, and the pros may need to install a new drainage system through the home’s foundation.

2. Clogged Drain

Just as your kitchen sink may clog from food buildup, the window well drain may become blocked by leaves, soil, and other sediment and debris. When the drain is clogged up, the water can’t pass through to be redirected away from the house.

Solution

If you know where to find the drain, clear the area of debris from the top of the drain. If the inside of the drain is clogged, you’ll need to hire a contractor to come clear out the clog. Once you or a contractor remove the debris, the drain should be working again.

3. Improper Well Size

Anyone can buy a plastic or metal window well from home improvement stores to wrap around the egress windows. While it’s great that these parts are easy to find, that also means it’s easy to accidentally buy and install the wrong size. When a window well is too small, water and soil can splash over the sides of the well and clog up the drain.

Solution

Before installing a window well, have a professional window contractor inspect the area and guide you on the correct window well size to buy. If the existing well is too small, a contractor can remove the old window well and install one better suited for your home.

4. Lack of Well Cover

The IRC egress code doesn’t require window well covers, so many people may not think to install a cover. But a well cover will help keep out debris that can clog the drain. Some models made from materials like polycarbonate may even help keep water from reaching the window well. If you don’t have a window cover, you could find yourself frequently cleaning the drain to prevent clogs. 

Solution

Although well covers aren’t required, IRC does have requirements for homeowners who choose to install a well cover. The well cover must have at least 5.7 square feet of clearance, which is the same size requirement for egress windows. This is meant to allow enough space for someone to fit through the window in case of an emergency. 

The window cover must also be easy to open without keys or special tools. Children and adults should be able to easily open the well cover.

Window Well Maintenance

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The best window well drainage solutions are to take action before there are any problems. Keeping up with regular maintenance can help prevent flooding around the window well and into the basement.

Clean the Drains

You should clean the window well drain at least twice per year: in the fall and spring. Keep the outside of the drain clear, and take a look at the inside of the drain for signs of buildup. If the inside of the drain is filled with debris, make sure to have a professional come clear out the drain before it becomes clogged.

Loosen the Gravel

Compacted gravel won’t allow the water to pass through the drainage system. There are a couple of options when it comes to loosening up the gravel. You can shovel out all of the gravel and replace it with new gravel. Or, if you want to save money, you can remove the gravel, hose it off to clean away debris, and let it dry. Then, shovel the clean, loose gravel back into place.

Add a Well Cover

An easy way to keep the window well drain from clogging is to install a well cover. You can buy mesh, bar, or even solid well covers. Like window wells, you can find the covers at most home improvement retailers or online. Make sure the cover will fit your well and meets IRC code requirements.