Basement Waterproofing in Snohomish, WA

Basement waterproofing in Snohomish: what to know

Footing drains and crawl space pumps have a specific place in Snohomish’s stormwater code. SMC 15.16.090 lists foundation drains, footing drains, uncontaminated pumped groundwater, and uncontaminated water from crawl space pumps as allowable discharges, and says they are not treated as illegal discharges unless the city determines they cause or risk water pollution.

The same section bans illicit connections to the storm system, including connections made in the past. It excludes roof drains and similar connections from that definition, and it does not name foundation or footing connections among the excluded items. An unpermitted tie into a storm line can therefore still be questioned, so we review the connection history before any rebuild.

Permits and rules in Snohomish

Before the ground is opened, we ask Public Works two things: whether a footing drain tie to the storm system is on record, and whether a new outlet needs a permit. The illicit-connection rule reaches connections made in the past, so we check the parcel’s history first. We look at the slope seepage and the roof downspouts in the same pass, so the drain plan and the outlet agree before anything is quoted.

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

How we approach it

Trace roof water, slope seepage, and the footing line before digging
Check any storm-system tie against SMC 15.16.090 before rebuilding
Rebuild the footing drain and test its outlet before backfilling
Hold any new connection until Public Works gives its answer

For the full process, see our Basement Waterproofing page.

Our basement waterproofing work, serving Snohomish

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

Questions from Snohomish homeowners

Is a Snohomish footing drain tie to the storm line allowed under SMC 15.16.090?

The city’s allowable list names footing drains, so a footing drain is not treated as an illegal discharge unless the city finds it causes or risks pollution. The illicit-connection rule still reaches connections made in the past, so we check the parcel’s history with Public Works before any tie-in.

What usually lets water into a Snohomish basement after heavy rain?

Common sources are groundwater moving sideways through the soil, runoff arriving from above, and a footing line that no longer drains. We check the roof downspouts and the footing line before looking at anything deeper.

What do we bring to Public Works before a Snohomish outlet is rebuilt?

We bring the outlet location, the connection history, and the drain layout before the excavator arrives, and we confirm whether any new connection needs a permit.