[Judoplayer]

Basement window is below grade, has a metal well outside filled with rocks , etc. I even installed a plastic well cover to keep out rain. However when it rains hard the well fills and water comes in from window. What should I do? Glass block ? Dig out the well and try to re-attach to foundation and seal?

[hkstroud]

The first thing to do when you have water coming to the inside is to check gutters and down spouts. They should be clear and functioning. Splash blocks or piping should be installed to get the water from the roof as far away from the house as possible. Piping to carry the water well away is preferable. Check grading to make sure all water runs away from the house. If possible remove the soil to a depth of about 12" out about 3' out, lay plastic sheathing letting it lap up against the wall about 6" and stick it to the wall with something like roofing cement. Replace the soil and try to remember that it's there when digging for shrubs. This will provide a shield against water soaking direct down into the soil next to the house.

If these things do solve the problem, install a sump pump in the window well.
Dig out the window well about 16 to 18". This is best done with a pair of post hole diggers. Dig the hold as big as possible. Line the hole with a nylon fabric (weed block sold in the garden department). Most window well are too small for a regular sump crock. You can make you own with a 5 gal. drywall bucket. Perforate the sides with 1/2" holes. Lots and lots of holes. Sit the bucket in the hole, fill the remainder of the hole with gravel around the bucket. Sit a submersible sump pump in the bucket. Cut a hole in the top for the pipping and electrical cord. If possible make provisions for the cord to pass through the wall (above ground) to an electrical outlet on the inside. If not possible, install outlet on the exterior but make sure to install appropriate rain shielding for outlet.

[ballengerb1]

Harold gives good advice here regarding the sumppump. I my area those window wells are connected to the curtain drain via 4" black pipe so they drain to the house sump pump. If yours does not then add a very small sump pump or even a boat bilge pump will do.

[AdamFamily]

I will let you know how it goes today.

Here is my situation:
1. Situation began due to landscaping that affected the drainage away from the house.
2. Situation was made worse when hot tub was installed a few feet away from window affecting drainage even more.

The plan:
1. Address landscaping but given the fairly low differential in the grade more is needed.
2. I plan on pulling the old metal half moon out of the hole with a taller version.
3. Digging out the hole and putting new gravel to a greater depth before installing the taller version.
4. Reseal.
5. Maybe extreme but I want to concrete the area between our patio, hot tub and basement window well to ensure run-off occurs and no water backslides into the hole.

News at 11

[hkstroud]

OK, sounds like a plan. It's easy to divert water, it's difficult to seal it out.