Can I just add gravel to my window well myself?

Adding gravel helps if there is no existing gravel bed, but if the well has no drain pipe and sits in a low area, gravel alone will not solve a flooding problem. An inspection will tell you what the well actually needs.

My window well drains but slowly - is that a problem?

Slow drainage is often caused by a partially clogged drain pipe. As long as the well does not back up during heavy rain it may be acceptable, but if it fills during storms the drain needs to be cleared or replaced.

Window Well Drainage in Utah Valley

Q: Are window well covers worth installing?

Yes. They are one of the most cost-effective upgrades you can make. A quality cover dramatically reduces the amount of water and debris that enters the well, reducing the drainage load substantially.

Q: How much does window well drainage work cost?

Costs vary based on what your well needs. A gravel and cover installation is relatively modest. Adding drain pipe or regrading around the well adds to the scope. We provide a free estimate after inspection.

Window wells are a common source of basement water entry that homeowners often overlook until a serious flooding event occurs. When a window well fills with water during heavy rain or snowmelt, that water sits directly against your basement window — and eventually finds its way in. Utah Valley Waterproofing provides window well drainage solutions for homeowners throughout the valley.

Request a Free Estimate

Why Window Wells Cause Flooding

Window wells are designed to hold back soil and let light into below-grade basement windows. But they also create a pocket that can collect large volumes of water during storms. In Utah Valley, spring snowmelt combined with frozen soil can quickly fill window wells faster than they can drain, putting hundreds of gallons of water pressure directly against a window frame or seal.

Common factors that make window wells worse:

No gravel drainage layer at the bottom of the well
A drainage pipe that has become clogged with sediment or roots
Well placed in a low area that collects surface water from the yard
No cover, allowing rain and debris to fall directly in
Well too shallow for the depth of the window
Deteriorated or poorly sealed window frames at the base

Signs Your Window Well Drainage Needs Attention

Water on the basement floor below a window after rain
Water marks or staining on the wall below a basement window
Standing water in the well after precipitation
The well fills during rain and doesn't drain within a few hours
Visible rust staining on the window frame or sill
Debris buildup in the bottom of the well with no drain visible

Our Window Well Drainage Solutions

We approach window well drainage as part of the larger water management picture around your home. Depending on your specific situation, we may recommend one or more of these improvements:

Gravel drainage layer: Installing clean gravel at the bottom of the well to allow water to drain away quickly
Drain pipe installation: Adding a perforated pipe that routes water from the well bottom to a safe discharge point or connects to the home's interior drainage system
Well resizing or replacement: If the well is too small or installed incorrectly, we can resize or replace it
Cover installation: Clear polycarbonate covers prevent rain and debris from accumulating in the well while still allowing light through
Exterior grading: Adjusting the grade around the well to direct surface water away rather than toward it
Window seal repair: If the window frame or seal is compromised, addressing that directly

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes — they're one of the most cost-effective upgrades you can make. A quality cover dramatically reduces the amount of water and debris that enters the well, reducing the drainage load substantially.

Adding gravel helps if there's no existing gravel bed, but if the well has no drain pipe and sits in a low area, gravel alone won't solve a flooding problem. An inspection will tell you what the well actually needs.

Slow drainage is often caused by a partially clogged drain pipe. As long as the well doesn't back up during heavy rain, it may be acceptable. But if it's draining slowly enough that the well fills during storms, the drain needs to be cleared or replaced.

Costs vary significantly based on what your well needs. A gravel and cover installation is relatively modest. Adding drain pipe or regrading around the well adds to the scope. We provide a free estimate after inspection.

Related Services

From the Blog

Serving Utah Valley Homeowners

We provide window well drainage services in Provo, Orem, Lehi, American Fork, Pleasant Grove, and throughout the valley. See all service areas.

Stop Window Well Flooding Before the Next Storm

A free inspection takes the guesswork out of what your window well actually needs. Request yours today.

Request a Free Estimate Call (385) 448-5185