Leaky basement windows? Your window wells may be to blame. Learn how to spot, prevent, and fix window well leaks in Westmont, IL to keep your basement dry and protected.
Basement window wells are designed to let natural light and ventilation into below-grade living spaces—but when they fail, they can become a major source of water intrusion. In many Westmont homes, poorly installed or aging window wells allow rainwater and melting snow to collect and seep into the basement.
If you’re seeing water near the base of a basement window or along the nearby wall or floor after a storm, your window wells may be the culprit.
A window well is a semi-circular barrier installed around a basement window to hold back soil and prevent direct contact between dirt and glass. When properly installed, a window well:
However, if water can’t drain from the well—or if the window or wall is improperly sealed—rain and groundwater will collect in the well and leak into your basement.
Westmont’s clay soil retains moisture longer than sandy soil and expands when saturated. Combined with the area’s frequent rains and winter snowmelt, water often pools around window wells that lack proper drainage.
Older homes in Westmont may have shallow wells without covers or any gravel base, while newer homes sometimes suffer from improper grading that channels water directly toward window wells.
Not sure if your basement leak is coming from a window well? Watch for these signs:
If the leak only appears after rain and is centered around a window, the well is likely the issue.
Several factors can lead to water intrusion through window wells:
Every well should have a few inches of clean gravel or stone at the bottom. If you see dirt, mulch, or leaves, remove them and replace with proper drainage material. If drainage is slow or nonexistent, a dedicated drain pipe may need to be installed to connect to your foundation drainage system.
A clear, dome-style cover keeps rain, snow, and debris out of the well while still letting in sunlight. It also prevents water from pooling during storms and freezing in winter.
Make sure the soil around your home slopes away from the foundation and window wells. This prevents surface water from collecting in or around the wells.
Use waterproof sealant or caulk to seal around the window frame and any visible cracks in the foundation wall near the well. This prevents water that reaches the window from making it inside.
If water damage has already occurred—or if window well seepage is part of a larger foundation issue—an interior drain tile system may be needed to relieve hydrostatic pressure and redirect water away from the basement floor and walls.
At Accu-Dry, we’ve helped hundreds of Westmont homeowners stop window well leaks and protect their basements. Our approach includes:
We tailor every repair to your home’s layout, soil conditions, and water behavior.
A leaking window well might start as a damp patch or musty smell—but left unchecked, it can lead to mold, ruined finishes, and costly repairs. Catching the issue early is key.
Contact Accu-Dry today for a free inspection. We’ll check your window wells, drainage system, and foundation, and recommend a solution that keeps your Westmont basement dry—storm after storm.
