Nick1994
$100 site donor 2024
I'm not sure how to fix the plumbing problem, but maybe replace those windows, but while they're out either put some bricks in about 6 inches high or pour concrete so the window opening is 6 inches shorter.
That pipe needs to be longer. Atleast above ground level.The 4 Window wells are all connected via a common pipe to the sewer so the level behind each window is exactly the same.
I'm trying to decide how far I need to go to fix it.
I put this stand pipe in one of the window well to see if in the next big rain that window well stays dry, if so this is a really cheap solution.
View attachment 30201
From the pipe in the window well? No because there is a P trap at the bottom of the window well drain. If I empty the trap then yes sewer smellDo you get any sewer gas smell?
For it to spit out on lawn the water level would have to be at the level of the pipe outlet. If the pipe is a foot above the grass the water would have to be standing a foot deep next to the house in order for water to actually exit the pipe. Sounds like Houston.I wonder if you should extend that pipe higher than that the window well and put a 45 degree elbow and see if the water goes out onto the lawn? Maybe try that on one window and leave the rest with one piece as pictured.
The highest I have seen the water level behind the glass is about 6 inches, from picture in may above. What would be the difference in the stand pipe height if it is level with top of foundation wall or a foot higher?That pipe needs to be longer. Atleast above ground level.
I had this same problem at the house we just sold. The drain in the window well, which was supposed to run down under the foundation to the sump pump in the other room, was plugged up and water would quickly fill the window well. The floor in the laundry room (where this window well was) had been torn up and the main sewer line replaced a few years before we bought the place, so I suspected the window well drain line had been crushed or filled with debris in the process. Tired of having water in the laundry room, I went down the route of using silicone to glue a cut piece of plexiglass over the entire window. I then drilled a hole in the bottom and glued a PVC adapter, which I then used 1-inch PVC down to the utility sink basin which was luckily right under the window. Worked perfect, and saved me a few water-in-the-basement events during some of the storms we had. When we sold the house, it was still there and the inspector had no problem with it at all. I thought he would freak. Go figure.View attachment 30191
I have also thought about putting a piece of plexiglass in front of one of the window and silicone caulking all the way around. There isn't much pressure when there is standing water but it does seep in. This wouldn't be permanent but curious if it would work.
Nearly zero water enters from above, the roof overhangs 3 ft, all of the water backs up from the drain below.A clear plastic window well cover will keep rain water out of the well, so the drain is not so important.
Bentonite clay chips are used to plug drain lines and well casings. I would be reluctant to permanently plug that line though.