DIY guideGround and drainage

Clear the window wells and yard drains

Lift out the leaves and debris from the basement window wells and the yard or driveway drains, and check the water runs away.

7 steps

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Lift the clear cover off the window well, if it has one.
Pick out leaves, litter and anything that blew in, down to the gravel.
Wear gloves, and watch for broken glass.
Look for a drain grate in the gravel at the bottom, and clear round it so water can reach it.
Pour a bucket of water in. It should drain away in a few minutes, not sit.
Lift each yard or driveway drain's grate, scoop out leaves and silt, and pour water in. A shared drain? Tell your neighbour first.
Put the cover back so it sheds rain away from the house.
Water that won't drain, or damp inside under the window: ask Handyman for a drainage pro.

Handyman says: Water sits? I'll find a drainage pro.

Free for every home. Handyman asks a few questions, then books a pro it trusts.