With spring showers looming on the horizon, now is the perfect time for homeowners in the tri-state area to pay attention to their drainage systems and window wells. While most homeowners know that these wells serve to let the sunlight into their basement. Many homeowners do not know that their window wells should also play a key role in their drainage system. While spring rain showers can be relaxing and beneficial; if not addressed, drainage issues can cause costly damages over time.
Tips to keep drainage systems flowing properly include:
- Be sure your gutters are clean.
- Keep downspouts clean and clear of debris.
- Clean drains/drainage pipes (Including window well drains).
- Check that your sump pump is functioning properly (don’t forget to plug it in).
- Ensure that your window wells have a professionally installed drainage system.
Below is a project where the homeowner contacted us due to a concern they had with water seeping into their basement. The homeowner hired Hughes Construction to implement the following drainage solution to keep water moving away from the home:
- We excavated a trench from rear of property to the front of the property to allow for daylighting (an industry term meaning to direct the flow of water away from the house and then out to daylight) of the drainage pipe.
- Next, we installed two 4-inch Schedule 40 drain lines, one solid pipe connected to five downspouts and one perforated pipe (for groundwater) connected to three new 36-inch window wells. These pipes collect and direct the excess rainwater out and away from the home.
- Finally, we placed a portion of the excavated soil along the foundation to create a slope away from the home. To finish, we covered the perforated pipe with drainage gravel and the affected areas received grass seed and straw.
This repair directed excess water away from the house. In addition to addressing the homeowner’s current concerns, it will prevent future problems.
Do you have any concerns about drainage on your property? Contact us and we can help you figure out your next steps.
Please note that if you are experiencing issues with water infiltration/seepage/leaking in your basement or crawlspace, the first step to correcting the issue is to have a structural engineer assess the property and any foundation issues that may be present.
