Basement Waterproofing in Steilacoom, WA

Basement waterproofing in Steilacoom: what to know

The NRCS official description of the Steilacoom soil series calls it somewhat poorly drained, with the water table within about 20 inches of the surface from November through March. Its typical profile shows a layer of very slow permeability beginning near 45 inches down, and the series sits in concave positions at 0 to 2 percent slope. Those figures shape a footing drain, because winter water sits high in the profile, so the outlet is checked before the trench is cut.

A footing drain can discharge onto the parcel or tie to a town storm line. A storm connection needs a permit and a connection charge under SMC 13.12.020, and SMC 13.28.020(a) bars stormwater from the sanitary sewer, so a footing drain cannot be tied into the sewer. We keep the outlet on the parcel and off the street, and a town tie-in waits for the town’s approval.

Permits and rules in Steilacoom

Before a basement dig is quoted, we check whether the cut moves more than 50 cubic yards, which calls for a site development permit under chapter 13.70, and whether the footing drain will tie into a storm line, which needs the SMC 13.12.020 permit. We confirm both answers with town staff and log them in the job file. Exposed soil beside the foundation also falls under the day limits in SMC 13.70.050(B)(1).

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

How we approach it

Trace groundwater, roof runoff, and slope seepage
Dig test pits beside the footing to read the soil
Rebuild the footing drain and check its outlet flow
Defer any town connection until the town has approved it

For the full process, see our Basement Waterproofing page.

Our basement waterproofing work, serving Steilacoom

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

Questions from Steilacoom homeowners

Does the Steilacoom soil series explain winter damp in a basement?

It can. The NRCS description places the water table close to the surface from November through March, so winter moisture can reach a footing that sits low on the lot. Before a fix is picked, we look at the grade, the downspouts, and the drain itself.

Can a Steilacoom footing drain go into the sanitary sewer?

No. SMC 13.28.020(a) bars discharging stormwater into the sanitary sewer. A footing drain that ties to a storm line needs the permit and connection charge set out in SMC 13.12.020.

Does SMC 13.70 apply to a basement dig beside a Steilacoom foundation?

It can. An earth-moving cut over 50 cubic yards needs a site development permit under chapter 13.70, which also limits how long exposed soil can stay open. We confirm the volume and the schedule with the town before the crew is booked.