Window Well Drains. What Do They Do?

If you have a basement and the finished grade around your home is higher than the bottom of your basement window you’ll likely need a window well. Typically made of galvanized steel or fiberglass these half-circle barriers hold the dirt back from covering up the window. If you don’t have a cover over yours they tend to be a catchalls for leaves and debris as well as water during rains  Modern homes will have a drain at the bottom typically surrounded by gravel. So often during inspections I see these drains completely covered up with debris or just buried under gravel and dirt. It’s important to keep these clear as it is the first line of defense to keep water from accumulating in the well and coming in through the window. 

The drains either tie into the basement foundation drain or exit somewhere in the yard if there is enough slope to allow. The latter is called ‘drain to daylight’. These drains should also have a perforated cap on them to let water in but keep out large debris like rocks and twigs. This cap is commonly missing which can create havoc if you end up clogging your foundation drain. 

There are various window well covers that do a great job keeping the wells clean and dry but they are not the prettiest looking things so they are not used as much as they could be. Most are a bubble shape and are very obvious from a curb appeal standpoint. They do make a flat version that is much less obtrusive. It’s always a good idea to check the drains twice a year to ensure they are cleared and doing their job.

When you need the Best Realtor in Kettering, Beavercreek, Bellbrook and surrounding areas please reach out to me! 

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