Edmonds homes often face groundwater intrusion and seasonal rain moisture. Wet Basement Services provides permanent waterproofing, drainage, crawl space, and mold remediation solutions tailored for Edmonds properties.
1. Geology and Soil Conditions
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A significant portion of Edmonds sits on or is underlain by glacial till and glacial outwash deposits from the late Pleistocene glaciation. For example, one technical document identifies the site’s surficial geology as mapped as “Vashon glacial till (Qvt)”. Edmonds Washington+2Edmonds Washington+2
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The soil series “Edmonds series” is described by the USDA as very deep, poorly drained soils formed in loess and volcanic ash over glacial outwash, located on outwash terraces and plains with minimal slope. Soil Series
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These soils and deposits often consist of layers that include fine‑grained material (silt/clay) or dense till (a mixture of sand, gravel, cobbles and boulders in a silty/clay matrix) which reduces permeability. For example: “glacial till… mixture of clay, silt, pebbles, cobbles, and boulders… non‑sorted … generally dense…” for Edmonds region. Edmonds Washington
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Implication: Because the soils are dense and sometimes have fine‑grained components or low permeable layers, water entering the ground near foundations may struggle to drain downward quickly; it can instead pool or migrate laterally, increasing the potential for water load against basement walls.
2. Rainfall and Seasonal Moisture Load
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Edmonds experiences many rainy days: one climate source indicates ~173 rainfall days per year. Weather Atlas+1
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Monthly rainfall averages show December (~3.50 inches) and January (~3.31 inches) as among the highest. Weather U.S.
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The USDA soil description indicates mean annual precipitation for the Edmonds series is about 35–55 inches, mostly between October and May. Soil Series
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Implication: Extended rainy seasons plus soils that drain slowly means the ground around basements remains wetter for longer, increasing hydrostatic pressures and the chance of seepage or moisture intrusion.
3. Topography and Drainage Characteristics
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Elevation data: Edmonds has an average elevation around 148 ft (≈45 m) above sea level; minimum elevations are near sea level and maximum elevations up to ~499 ft. Topographic maps+2Topographic maps+2
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The area includes sloped lots, upland to lowland transitions, and older fill in low‑lying areas along the shoreline and wetlands. The “Best Available Science Report” for Edmonds notes areas underlain by glacial outwash, alluvium, and mentions groundwater trends. Edmonds Washington
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Implication: Sloped terrain can channel both surface runoff and subsurface flow toward foundations or basements if not properly managed; combined with permeable barriers in the soil, water may accumulate next to basement walls.
4. Combined Effect: Why Basement Water Risk Is Elevated in Edmonds
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Basements in Edmonds are adjacent to soils that can be dense, low‑permeability, composed of glacial till/outwash and possibly layered with fine‑grained material.
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The region has a significant number of rainy days and a wet season, meaning soils may stay saturated or near saturation for long stretches.
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Terrain includes slopes, fill zones, shoreline proximity, and transitions between upland and lowland, so drainage (surface and subsurface) becomes more challenging.
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These factors combine so that: infiltrating water may not drain effectively, may build up hydrostatic pressure, may migrate laterally under or alongside foundations, and thus increase the risk of water intrusion, damp walls/floors, or basement flooding if waterproofing or drainage isn’t robust.
Edmonds basements often experience seepage through foundation walls and floors. We install:
- Interior French drains
- Vertical drain wall membrane
- Sump pumps and battery backups
- Exterior drainage solutions
Edmonds homes typically battle with:
- Water seepage during heavy rain
- Standing water from seepage in cold joints
- Damp walls and floors
- Musty odors
- Mold growth on wooden framing
✔ Local Edmonds waterproofing specialists
✔ Long-lasting solutions and warranties
✔ Certified mold remediation experts
✔ Quick response for emergency leaks
Serving all neighborhoods in Edmonds, WA
Request a free waterproofing estimate today.