Leaking Basement Windows
- 1). Examine the area around the basement windows for any holes or cracks. The leaking you see could be coming from these areas and not the window itself.
- 2). Patch any cracks and holes you find with cement. Make sure the basement is ventilated properly by opening all the windows, and always wear a respirator mask when mixing and applying the concrete. Use a mixture of 4 1/2 parts cement mix to 1 part water, and stir until the mixture is smooth and easy to apply.
- 3). Apply the cement mixture to any holes and cracks and allow it to dry. Place towels and rags under the basement window to test its watertightness. Continue with your window repairs if water still is getting into the basement after a rain.
- 4). Drill a hole just under the window sill in the basement window. The hole should be two or three inches beneath the bottom of the window sill.
- 5). Insert a metal pipe directly into the hole you just created. Make sure the pipe is sized properly for the hole and that you have a nice tight fit. Push the pipe into the hole until it is tight and you cannot pull it out. When properly positioned, one end of the pipe should be protruding into the basement, just under the window, and the other end should be sticking out through the exterior wall and into the exterior window well.
- 6). Slide a metal grate over the part of the pipe that sticks out from the exterior wall. This grate prevents leaves and other debris from building up and causing an accumulation of water.
- 7). Place the well duct over the part of the pipe that is protruding inside the basement. Slide the well duct directly over the pipe. The well duct will thus drain water that accumulates in the exterior window well, directing it through the wall and into your interior sump pump system. It comes with a bracketing system that allows you to attach it to the wall for support if necessary.
