A window well through the seasons
- Fall
- Leaves and debris collect and cover any drain at the bottom.
- Winter
- Snow and ice pack the well, and meltwater cannot drain.
- Spring
- Melt and rain fill the well, and water presses on the window frame.
- Summer
- Storms add water, and wet debris breeds a musty smell.
How a well affects a room
A window well is a small excavation beside the foundation with a window at the bottom. If it has a drain, that drain connects to the foundation drainage system. If it has no working drain, water stays in the well until it soaks into the soil or leaks through the window seal.
Even when no water enters, wet debris in the well smells, and that smell can reach the room through an imperfect window seal. Basement windows are also close to the floor, so the air that enters is heavy and damp, and it collects at the lowest level.
Check wells in dry weather first, then after rain. If a well holds water long after the rain stops, the drain is blocked or missing.
Look at the well from the inside too. A wet sill, a stain below the frame or a swollen trim piece suggests water has been entering for some time, not only during the last storm.
Seasonal leaves are a common cause. A simple autumn check keeps the drain free before the wet months.
What to inspect
Questions to ask a professional
If a well keeps filling, these help frame the discussion.
- Does the well have a drain, and where does that drain lead?
- Is the grading around the well contributing to the water?
- Should the window or the seal be repaired before cleaning?
- Could the well cover change how water enters?
Common questions
Can I just put a cover on it?
A cover helps keep debris out and may shed water, but it does not replace a working drain.
Can I fill the well with gravel to stop leaks?
Gravel alone does not solve poor drainage. Ask a drainage professional what suits your well.
General information for Hilltop, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.