How to Tell If Your Window Wells Need Cleaning

Your window wells need cleaning if you see leaves, dirt or gravel piled up inside, water sitting after rain or snowmelt, cobwebs or critters, or a dim, dirty basement window. Packed debris traps moisture against the basement glass, which can lead to leaks, mold, rusted frames and cracked glass over time. A quick look into each well from above tells you most of what you need to know.

Here is what to check and what a clean-out involves.

What are the signs a window well needs cleaning?

Walk around your home and look down into each well. Watch for:

Leaves, dirt and trash piled against the window.
Standing water after rain or melting snow.
Debris covering the drain rock at the bottom.
Cobwebs, insects or small animals in the well.
Dirty or streaked basement glass.
Moisture, stains or musty smells inside the basement near the window.
Rust on the window frame or the well liner.

Why does a packed window well cause problems?

The bottom of a window well is meant to drain. When leaves and dirt pack down on top of the drain rock, water cannot get through. Instead, it sits against the basement window. Over time, that standing debris leads to leaks, mold, rusted frames and cracked glass, problems that get expensive fast.

Why do window wells fill up so fast?

Window wells sit low and open, so they catch whatever blows across the yard. In Southeast Idaho, the valley wind carries leaves, dirt and seeds right into them. Overflowing gutters can dump water and debris in too. Small animals sometimes fall in and cannot get out.

Are window wells part of home safety?

Yes. Many basement windows are egress windows, meaning they are an emergency exit. A clear well means a clear way out, and more natural light into your basement rooms. A well full of debris, ice or clutter makes that exit harder to use.

How does a professional clean-out work?

PrimePro window well clean-out follows four steps:

Clear debris. We remove leaves, gravel, trash and anything else packed into the well by hand.
Deep clean. The window glass, frame and well liner are scrubbed down and rinsed clean.
Inspect. We check the glass, frame and liner for damage or wear and let you know what we find.
Haul away. Every bit of debris is bagged and hauled off.

We clear every well down to the drain rock, so water can drain the way it should.

How long does a clean-out take?

Most homes have their wells cleared and cleaned in a single visit, usually well under an hour per well.

How can you keep window wells cleaner?

Keep gutters flowing so overflow does not pour into the wells.
Rake leaves away from the foundation in fall.
Consider well covers, which help keep out leaves and critters.
Check wells after storms and before winter.

Many homeowners pair window well clean-outs with fall gutter cleaning, since both protect the basement from water.

Frequently asked questions

Why do window wells need cleaning?

Debris traps moisture against your basement windows, which causes leaks, mold and cracked glass over time.

What do you clear out?

Leaves, dirt, gravel debris, cobwebs and any critters, everything down to the drain rock.

Do you clean the basement window too?

Yes. We scrub and rinse the glass, frame and well liner.

Which areas do you serve?

We serve Southeast Idaho, including Idaho Falls, Ammon, Rigby, Rexburg, Ririe and Menan.

Get a free quote

Request a free quote and tell us how many window wells your home has.