How a well fills up

A window well is a metal or plastic liner set into the ground around a below-grade window, with gravel at the bottom and, ideally, a drain that connects to a perimeter drain system. When it works, rain falls into the well and soaks through the gravel. When the gravel is packed with silt, the drain is clogged or missing, or roof runoff pours straight into it, water rises like a bathtub.

Basement windows are not built to hold back standing water. Once the level reaches the bottom of the window frame, water seeps around the frame, under the sill and sometimes through a cracked pane. In a heavy storm with hail, the window can also break under the weight of ice and debris, letting water rush in.

Because this water came from the ground surface, it is treated as contaminated. That changes what can be kept in the room.

During and right after the storm

  1. Stay clear of electrical hazards

    If water is near outlets, power strips or a baseboard heater, shut off that circuit at the panel before entering the room.

  2. Reduce the inflow if safe

    Once lightning has passed, bail or pump water out of the well from outside and clear leaves or hail from the top of the gravel.

  3. Redirect roof water

    Move a downspout extension or splash block so roof runoff is not pouring toward the well.

  4. Photograph inside and out

    Capture the water level in the well, the window and the wet room for your records.

  5. Remove wet carpet and pad promptly

    Surface water is contaminated; porous flooring it soaked usually needs to come out rather than be dried.

Quick facts about window wells

Water category
Surface water entering a basement is generally treated as contaminated
Most common cause
Clogged gravel or drain, plus roof runoff aimed at the well
Insurance
Surface water is often handled differently from plumbing leaks; ask your agent
Covers
Clear covers keep out leaves and some rain but must be removable for egress

Preventing the next one

  • Clean leaves and debris from every well each spring and fall.
  • Pour a bucket of water into each well and watch whether it drains in a reasonable time.
  • Make sure the soil around the well slopes away from the house.
  • Extend downspouts so they discharge well away from wells and foundation walls.
  • Add a clear, egress-rated cover over wells that collect debris.
  • Ask a contractor whether the well drain actually connects to anything or just ends in gravel.

General information for Lakewood, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.