Homeowners in the Pacific Northwest know that rain can turn a window well into an accidental aquarium. A properly installed window well drain keeps your basement dry, preserves your foundation, and protects your investment. But how much should you budget? CountBricks breaks down the true cost to install a window well drain—labor, materials, permitting, and unforeseen site conditions—so you can plan with confidence.
• Prevent basement flooding and mold growth
• Protect structural integrity of the foundation
• Meet local building code for egress windows
• Increase overall home value and buyer confidence
CountBricks data from hundreds of recent residential projects shows a national average of $1,200 – $2,400 per window well drain. Projects at the lower end usually involve shallow wells with good site access, while more complex digs, deeper wells, or rocky soils can push costs upward of $3,000+. Our AI estimate engine pulls live material pricing and local labor rates, allowing you to see a precise range for your ZIP code within seconds—no guesswork required.
1. Excavation and soil haul-off: $250 – $600
2. Drain pipe, gravel, and filter fabric: $100 – $250
3. Window well liner replacement (if needed): $150 – $400
4. Tie-in to perimeter footing drain or sump: $300 – $700
5. Backfill, compaction, and final grading: $200 – $450
6. Permit and inspection fees: $75 – $150
These figures reflect Portland-area residential construction conditions and current supplier rates pulled directly into CountBricks.com/services.
• Depth of the window well and required dig distance
• Soil type—soft loam is faster to excavate than dense clay or river rock
• Distance to nearest storm or perimeter drain connection
• Need to relocate utilities or landscaping features
• Accessibility for mini-excavators versus hand dig
• Seasonal groundwater levels and weather delays
CountBricks’ real-time voice interface captures on-site conditions during your walkthrough, instantly updating line items in your estimate. Our AI compares historic productivity rates on similar CountBricks projects to flag potential labor spikes before they become change orders. Material pricing is synced to local suppliers every morning, so you never pay yesterday’s inflated costs.
You have a 36-inch-deep egress well on the north side of a 1970s ranch. Surface water regularly pools at the base. During a CountBricks video consultation, our estimator notes the following:
• Loamy soil with minor cobble
• 18 ft to tie into existing footing drain
• Ample machine access through driveway gate
The AI estimate returns a total of $1,485.45, broken down automatically into excavation, 4-inch perforated PVC drain line, ¾-inch washed gravel, filter cloth, and labor hours. You approve the scope through the CountBricks client portal and schedule installation for the next dry window.
1. Skill level: Cutting into your foundation wall without compromising structural integrity demands professional experience.
2. Equipment: A compact excavator and laser level save hours compared to hand tools.
3. Warranty: CountBricks provides a 5-year no-clog guarantee on all drains we install.
4. Code compliance: Our team pulls permits and arranges inspections, avoiding costly rework.
1. Voice-enabled site assessment—capture dimensions and soil conditions in real time.
2. Instant AI estimate—see itemized pricing on CountBricks.com/estimate.
3. Digital approval—e-sign the scope and deposit via the client dashboard.
4. Material procurement—our system locks in supplier pricing for 30 days.
5. Installation—licensed CountBricks crews complete the drain, backfill, and clean up.
6. Final inspection and warranty upload—documentation stored in your CountBricks project vault.
• Combine window well drain work with gutter extensions to reduce overall mobilization costs
• Schedule excavation during the dry season to avoid weather delays
• Opt for high-density polyethylene wells if your metal liners show corrosion
• Add an acrylic cover to keep out debris and reduce future maintenance
The cost to install a window well drain shouldn’t be a mystery. With CountBricks’ AI-driven estimating platform, you’ll receive a clear, fixed-price proposal in minutes—backed by local expertise and a proven track record in residential construction. Visit CountBricks.com/consultation to book your free virtual walkthrough and keep your basement dry for decades to come.
When the Ramirez family in Southeast Portland noticed damp carpet edges in their new basement media room, they booked a same-day voice consultation through CountBricks.com. Our estimator guided them to hold a measuring tape to the well while describing soil conditions. Within eight minutes, the AI engine produced an itemized proposal of $1,620 for a new drain connected to the existing footing system.
• Zero-surprise pricing—final invoice matched the digital estimate to the penny
• One-day install—mini-excavator access through a 42-inch gate allowed rapid digging and backfill
• Post-project moisture reading—humidity dropped from 68 % to 45 % within 48 hours
1. Early Detection: Using a simple hygrometer, the family detected moisture before visible pooling occurred. Early intervention kept drywall and carpet intact.
2. Integrated Solutions: CountBricks recommended directing downspout runoff to the new drain line, eliminating two site visits and saving $350 in mobilization costs.
3. Digital Documentation: All permits, inspection photos, and warranty certificates were archived in the client’s CountBricks portal, simplifying future real-estate disclosures.
If you notice rust on the liner, pooling water, or musty odors near basement windows, it’s time for a proactive fix. CountBricks’ AI estimates make budgeting painless, and our crews specialize in tight urban lots common to Portland, Seattle, and beyond. Schedule a no-obligation assessment at CountBricks.com/services and secure a dry, healthy basement before the next rainy season hits.
