Water in basement

Question

When it rains I have a window well that fills up and leaks into the basement, also it appears water is coming in from an outlet in the wall. Never had this problem, don't know who to call. Help!

Tonia · Answer

Sounds like a drainage problem.Not enough slope away from the house can cause this. If there is a down spout near by it may be draining too closely to your house and then all you would need is an extension.

Darla · Answer

Also make sure your gutters are not clogged.

Ji.flooring2009 · Answer

Do you have any pictures, it would be helpful in answering your concern. It could be a multitude of things

Sue · Answer

Regarding the window well, you could have a piece of plexi-glass cut to cover the opening. Possibly that would stop the leak from the outlet too?

Linda Hunt · Answer

I see the drainage has been pointed out. Number one culprit. If lack of funds are an issue it can be done by self-appointed hard labour lol. The window likely could use recaulking also as this has been a long-term problem. Mag Ruffman writes a hilarious article for 'caulking'. The extension issue is also addressed so you have a fine start. A simple removal of the outlet plate to check for water damage will let you know if this issue needs to be addressed as that could start a fire so PLEASE do that first. Regards and hope to learn your issues have a starting point. P.S. the window well may have some corrosion or rot problems also that can be headed off.

Dei · Answer

If the window is not an egress window (emergency exit), as a last resort you can fill the well with concrete. You will lose the daylight, but the leak will be gone. Of course, I would try caulking first!

Marion Nesbitt · Answer

Good suggestions about checking grade away from house. Is the window well firmly attached at the sides so water can't seep in?

Diane Fairbanks · Answer

Do you have standing water in a low spot around that basement window well? I had an underground drainage tub that was plugged, and the guttering just dumped the water right by the window, causing the well to fill and then leak into the basement. After clearing out the drainage tubing, the rainwater once more flowed away from the house and no more leaking! Also, if you have a sump pump, make sure it is working properly so the ground water is pumped away from the foundation.

B. Enne · Answer

Whatever you do, check the building code. Some require windows for ventilation (in case you are thinking of removing it).

Are your downspouts far enough from the foundation, is your window well cover broken, does your window need caulking?We bought fitted covers and they helped a lot--not good if it is against your building code, and can't be used on egress windows.
 Since you said you didn't know who to call, check your yellow pages for: leaky basements, basement repairs, basement systems, basement waterproofing, flooding. I would get free estimates. Some will come up with many things you may not need like wall troughs etc. Some will offer bandaid solutions, but they should all be able to offer some kind of workable solution at different price points, Some work can be done in phases too.

Kmdreamer · Answer

Home Depot sells a plastic hood to put over the window well to divert the water it’s cheep .the outlet thing is another story you need a electrician for that before you have a fire

Water in basement

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Water in basement

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