Do window wells need drainage?

Window Well 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. Drains can be connected to interior or exterior drain tile or can be run to daylight where a proper slope exists.

How do you drain an egress window well?

The Bottom of the Egress Window Well Excavate the bottom of the window well to the foundation level and fill the excavation with crushed rock. The rock allows water to flow down draining away from the egress window. The crushed rock has an attractive appearance in the base of the egress window well.

What do you fill window wells with?

Filling in Around the Well. Fill the bottom 2–3 in (5.1–7.6 cm) of the window well with gravel. Pour the gravel around the inside and outside of your window well, and pack it down with the bottom of your shovel. Spread the gravel evenly over the area so you have a 2–3 in (5.1–7.6 cm) layer at the bottom of the hole.

What is a French drain and what does it do?

French drains provide an easy channel for water to flow through. Water runs into a gravel-filled trench, then into perforated pipe at the bottom of the trench. Water travels freely through the pipe, which empties a safe distance from the house.

Are window wells a good idea?

Basement windows and window wells are a good way to allow natural light into your home. Natural light will open up your space and take your basement from dark and dreary to bright and inviting. Window well materials come in a variety of beautiful stone and metal finishes, which can even add exterior charm to your home.

How do I know if my window well has a drain?

Dig a small hole in the soil, about 12” in diameter and maybe a little deeper than that. Then fill the hole with water and watch. If the water disappears rapidly, then fill it again and watch, and then a third time. If the water continues to disappear quickly, then you know the soil under the stone will drain well.