Window well flooding — do this now
- Stay clear of the window if water is pressing against it — a full well can break the glass.
- Shut off power to the basement if water is near outlets, cords, or the furnace.
- Bail or pump the well from outside if it’s safe — a bucket or small utility pump lowers the pressure on the window.
- Clear the well drain of leaves and debris if you can reach it.
- Call Vault at (385) 250-2825 to extract water and start drying before mold sets in.
Why Utah window wells flood
- Clogged or missing drain at the bottom of the well — the most common cause.
- Spring snowmelt filling wells faster than the soil can absorb it.
- Downspouts or sprinklers aimed toward the well.
- Grading that slopes toward the house instead of away from it.
- Heavy summer storms dumping water in a short time.
- Failed seal where the well liner meets the foundation.
What gets damaged
Water comes in at the window and runs down the wall — so the drywall under the window, the insulation behind it, the carpet and pad, and the bottom plate of the wall all get wet. In finished basements the damage is often wider than it looks because water spreads under flooring. See mold in your basement.
Prevention
- Clean the well every fall and spring — leaves, dirt, debris.
- Check the drain. Pour a bucket of water in; it should drain within minutes.
- Add a clear well cover to keep snow, rain, and leaves out while still letting light in.
- Extend downspouts at least several feet away from the house.
- Adjust sprinklers so they don’t spray into wells.
- Fix grading so soil slopes away from the foundation.
More in our spring flood prep and annual prevention checklist.
Typical Utah cost
| Scope | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Small area, carpet dried in place | $1,200-$3,000 |
| Flood cut, insulation, pad replacement, one room | $3,000-$6,500 |
| Multiple rooms or mold involved | $6,000-$14,000+ |
Insurance
Coverage for surface water entering through a window well varies a lot. Many standard homeowner’s policies exclude surface water or flood; some cover it under specific endorsements. Ask your agent and see water damage vs flood.
Water coming in through a basement window?
Call (385) 250-2825 — answered live 24/7.
Water damage services · Mold in basement · Spring flood prep · Flood insurance guide
More guides: Bathroom exhaust fans and mold · Sweating pipes
Related guides
For a burst pipe or overflow in Provo, see emergency water damage in Provo or call (385) 250-2825, answered live 24/7.