How do you maintain window wells

The bottom of the well should contain loose gravel, which also helps with drainage. This should not be allowed to become too compacted or it will also cause water to collect in the well. You can either replace gravel periodically or remove it and clean it before putting it back in place.

Over time, the gravel in your window wells can become clogged with dirt, sand and debris. Eventually, the clog will prevent most or all of the water inside to become trapped. … Inevitably, your window’s seal will allow a small amount of water inside, growing more severe every time it rains.

Add Gravel

Use gravel to fill in the empty space between your perforated tube and the walls of the drainage hole all the way until it reaches the drain cap. Doing this is very beneficial for two reasons: It keeps the perforated tube securely in place. It provides better drainage for your window well.

There isn’t really a minimum level of rocks in your window well, but the levels should be appropriate given the depth of it (and going deep is always better). However, the window well should definitely not be overfilled. This increases the risk of flooding and windows breakage.

You should regularly check window wells for debris and clean them out accordingly. Materials such as leaves, dirt, and other scraps from the outside can infest window wells. When these objects enter a window well, they have the potential to dirty the gravel and clog up the drain.

Use pea gravel or ¾ inch or smaller free-draining rock, around the well stopping approximately 1 foot down from the top of the window well. Backfilling by hand, start at the farthest area from the foundation, evenly distributing the stone as you fill.

Surrounding Your Window Wells

Many people choose to surround their wells with grass, but because a properly covered well will keep debris away from your basement window, mulch, gravel, and rocks are all viable choices.

Backfilling the Well:

Consider using a knee brace. Use free-draining gravel or 3/8″ pea-stone. Fill the bottom of the window well and stay at least 4 inches below the bottom of the window. Backfill the outside of the well slowly and evenly to prevent damage to the well.

Fill your window well with gravel to promote drainage. Since basement windows often are positioned at or below ground level, a window well is positioned directly in front of the window. This lets in sunlight as well as helps keep water from seeping into the basement through the window.

The easiest way to keep your window well drain unclogged is by installing a quality window well cover. It will prevent excessive water, debris and even small animals from getting into your window well and causing problems.

Most often on older homes you do not have a drain tile in the window well leading to your sump pump drainage system. … Also a proper window well cover will help keep the water from getting in the top of the window.