A layer of gravel at the bottom of most window wells allows natural drainage. Adding a rain gutter to your window well could be a solution to the problem of water. The best way to keep water out of your windows is to seal them with a watertight sealer.
If you don’t already have one, check with your local home improvement store to see if they carry a product that will do the job for you. You can also buy a waterproofing product from a hardware store, but be sure to read the label carefully to make sure it will work for your particular situation.
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How deep should a window well drain be?
The hole should be at least six inches from the window’s exterior. The hole needs to be at least five inches deeper and six inches wider than the window well dimensions. Drill a hole in the bottom of your window and fill it with gravel. This will help prevent water from seeping into your house. If you don’t have a gravel pit, you can use a garden hose to fill a small bucket with water.
Fill the bucket about two-thirds full of gravel and place it in your hole. Make sure the gravel is at least two inches deep. You may need to add a little more gravel if you want to make sure it’s deep enough. Once you’ve filled your bucket, place a piece of plywood on top of it to keep it from sinking into the ground.
Use a shovel to dig a trench about three-fourths of an inch deep and four-five inches wide. It should be about four feet long and two feet wide at its widest point. When you’re done, fill the trench with dirt and leave it for a couple of days to allow the dirt to settle. After that, dig another trench that’s about one-third the depth and a half-inch wider.
Do window wells need a drain?
Every window well should have a drain to allow water to exit the window well and not build to a level that creates a basement seepage problem. The drain should be at least 3/4″ in diameter. They are available in a wide variety of sizes and colors. If you are installing a new well, you will want to make sure that the tile you purchase is the same size as the existing tile.
It is also a good idea to check the manufacturer’s specifications for the type of tile that is being installed. Some manufacturers will not allow you to install a tile larger than the size specified on the product label, so be sure to double-check the specifications before you buy.
How does water drain from a window well?
The well connects to an exterior perimeter drain (or weeping tile), an underground pipe that collects and redirects water away from the foundation. The well is connected to an interior drain which runs along the foundation of the house. A well is a critical part of a home’s water management system.
A well can reduce the amount of water that flows into your home by as much as 50 percent, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. It can also reduce your water bill by up to 30 percent.
Where do window wells drain to?
Drains are designed to alleviate the pressure inside the well for the basement window. They are tied into the existing Drain Tile System and can be discharged to separate gravity drain or routed to a sump pit.
Why does my window well fill up with water?
Weeds, leaves, dirt, and other debris clog window wells, causing them to fill with water. The problem is exacerbated by the fact that many of the windows are made of glass, which is impermeable to moisture.
This means that even if a window is left open for a long period of time, it will not be able to dry out and the water will continue to seep through. In some cases, this can lead to mold and mildew growth, as well as water damage to the interior of your home.
Should I put pea gravel in my window wells?
Wells must be installed with the Marflex installation kit and follow the current Marflex installation instructions for a valid product warranty. Use pea gravel or ¾ inch or smaller free-draining rock, around the well stopping approximately 1 foot down from the bottom of the hole.
What do you put in the bottom of a window well?
The loose gravel at the bottom of the well helps with drainage. It should not be allowed to become too small or it will cause the water to collect in the well. It is possible to replace gravel periodically or to clean it before putting it back in.
If you are using a well pump, make sure that the water level is not too low. If it is too high, the pump will not work properly and you will have to pump more water from the source.
