Are There Drains In Window Wells

Otherwise it would make more sense to put in a drain from the window well out onto the property.

Are there drains in window wells.

A window well drain channels water accumulated in a window well to the weeping tile system installed along the footing which then drains to a sump pump installed in the basement or to the storm sewer under the street. Having window wells is a great way to let natural light and ventilation into your basement. Not sure drains would help since the water is coming up from below. Generally new window well installations include drains to to the weeping tile in order to prevent water accumulation in the window wells.

Window wells attach to your home s foundation around ground level windows to prevent water and soil from getting inside. However rain snow drainage and human contact can all damage the sides of the well and your basement window. Exterior drains sit in the gravel pit at the bottom of your window well. The pic gwi 1382953 shows the proper way to attach window well drains directly into the weepers.

Manufacturers install small flaps covering the weep holes which open out to let water exit and close so wind can t come through the window. In retrofit applications pvc sewer pipe is typically used. I would figure that any backflow due to the crimps in the pipe would cause the water to overflow from where the downspouts connect into the ground pipe not come up from underground inside the window wells. They extend to the base of your foundation and are connected to your perimeter drain or weeping tile.

Interior drains redirect rainwater to your sump pump. Proper window well drains are 4 inches in diameter and drain the water in the window well to the weeping tile system installed underground along the footing of the foundation walls. Although most window wells are covered with gravel to give them a nice appearance gravel doesn t impede water flow in the case of a downpour. In other designs the outside weep holes for water drainage do not align with inside weep holes blocking wind from entering.

You can use drains and covers but our basement waterproofing experts say there are better options. There are no drains inside the window wells just rocks. Window well drains in new construction consist of a length of weeping tile. Water is then moved away from the property through a network of pipes.

Most often when the wells have problems draining it s because there isn t free draining material under them or the voids in the pea or crushed stone fill have been filled with silt and dirt and. Unfortunately window wells tend to catch a lot of water when it rains or floods potentially causing foundation related problems. When you want to install a window well start by digging holes around the window for the well and a drain so it doesn t fill with water.