Basement Waterproofing in Olympia, WA

Basement waterproofing in Olympia: what to know

Roof water and ground water leave different marks at the foundation. We look for roof water near gutter seams and downspout discharge points, and for ground water returning along the footing across the wet months. We log the wet months, note which walls stay damp each season, and probe the soil at the footing before we choose a repair.

A footing drain needs an outlet the city accepts. Under OMC 13.16.020, the owner must apply for an engineering permit before stormwater is discharged to any part of the storm drainage system, and OMC 13.16.010(E) counts clearing, grading, or filling as development with no minimum area. A new drain line is checked against both rules before the trench opens, and the outlet is written on the plan.

Permits and rules in Olympia

Before a trench is cut beside the foundation, we confirm whether the work counts as grading or filling under OMC 13.16.010(E). We check whether a footing drain tie-in needs an engineering permit under OMC 13.16.020, and we look up the stormwater thresholds for any new hard surface that comes with the drain. Any outlet to a city storm line goes to city staff in writing before crews mobilize.

Rules change and vary by parcel, so we confirm the current requirements with the city before we start.

How we approach it

Find out whether the water is roof-fed or ground-fed first
Probe the soil beside the footing before choosing a repair
Check the footing pitch and the outlet before any city tie-in
Hold any storm connection until the engineering permit issues

For the full process, see our Basement Waterproofing page.

Our basement waterproofing work, serving Olympia

Examples of our work. We build basement waterproofing in Olympia and the cities around it. See all of our work

Questions from Olympia homeowners

Why does an Olympia basement stay damp after rain?

The source decides the fix. We look for roof water near gutter seams and downspout discharge points, and for ground water returning along the footing through the wet months. We trace both before choosing a repair, since a patch on the surface does not settle either source.

What decides whether an Olympia footing drain may reach the storm system?

OMC 13.16.020 requires the owner to apply for an engineering permit before stormwater is discharged to any part of the storm drainage system. We ask staff in writing, hold the tie-in until that permit issues, and keep the answer on file.

Does trenching at an Olympia foundation require city review?

The answer turns on whether the trench counts as grading or filling. OMC 13.16.010(E) treats clearing, grading, or filling as development with no minimum area, so we confirm that reading with city staff before the trench is opened.