How do I stop my windows from flooding my basement?

Question

I am in a rental house and the wells hold water then the water comes in from around the seams of the windows they are older windows and the caulk that s there is not doing the job. I am thinking of buying covers for th wells or doing something else. Any good suggestions would be greatly welcomed. And yes the windows themselves are closed even though they don't close that well either but my landlady kinda just shrugs off my complaints.

Answer 1

Try this link:

http://www.windowwell.com/

You could also try digging out some of the soil in the well a good 3-4 inches . This way you're lowering the ground surface in relation to the outside window sill.

I'm thinking that the ground is at, near or above the sill; thus letting water run towards the window when in fact it should be the opposite.

Over time these sills fill up with debris that eventually breakdown and raise ground level.

I would also speak with whoever your sending your payment to. They need to address this not you. But if you have to the above mentioned is what i would do before buying anything.  

Answer 2

If caulk is not doing the job, and changing the windows is not an option, then get the covers for the wells. That's the cheapest solution.

Answer 3

Go to home depot or a  hardware store  and see if you can get some free avice  

Answer 4

Water comes in through the windows from overflowing wells.?????????

This is incredible. Invite your landlady to the house when this is happening, insist that she comes, drag her there if you have to, and show her the problem. If nothing is done to eliminate the problem, with-hold the rent. No good coming on here winge-ing, the problem is with you and your land-lady, don't forget you have the power, she wants your money. Get it sorted.    

Answer 5

my grandparents had this problem. they had windows that could open, and that was what the problem was.

so they had to c**k all the way around even the opening part and they had to seal the whole window up. so u cant have opening windows anymore in the basement unless u have a really great water rerouting system!

Answer 6

How much water comes in? Are we talking about a little bit seeping in or a flood?

If you're being flooded and it's affecting the place such that you can't use the room, or all of downstairs, you have a habitability problem. This is something that is an inherent guarantee from your landlord. They have to provide habitability. If you can't use that part of the property, you shouldn't have to pay for it.

Speaking to the landlord is a good first step. Now write a letter. Make sure you keep a record of everything you have told the landlord and their response. Keep copies of all letters you write them as well as their responses.

If they still don't do anything to help, contact a lawyer. If you can't afford one look for free legal aid in your neighborhood. All it may take is a properly worded letter from an lawyer.

Good luck.