Kenmore homes frequently deal with groundwater, rainwater runoff, and soil moisture issues. Wet Basement Services provides permanent solutions with interior basement waterproofing, exterior basement waterproofing, downspout drainage, crawl space drainage, and mold remediation solutions tailored for Kenmore properties.
1. Geology and soil conditions
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According to the city’s comprehensive plan, “Much of the City of Kenmore is comprised of undulating uplands formed as a result of different glacial depositional processes. … The Vashon glaciation left a layer of till and recessional sand and gravel deposits that mantle the upland plateaus…” EZView+1
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That “lodgment till” is described as an “unsorted mixture of sand, gravel, silt, and clay … generally very dense … with very low permeability and typically acts as an aquitard, restricting downward flow of groundwater.” EZView
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Those conditions mean that the soils beneath many Kenmore homes consist of dense, low‑permeability layers of glacial till and overlying sediments. Water infiltration is naturally slower and perched water tables are more likely.
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There are also sequences of “sand and gravel layers separated by finer grained layers of clay and silt” in the Kenmore uplands. EZView
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Implication: With dense till and layered fine‑grained soils, when water enters the ground near a home (from rainfall, landscaping runoff or groundwater), it doesn’t drain away quickly; instead it can accumulate, exert lateral pressure on basement walls or upward pressure under slabs.
2. Rainfall and seasonal moisture load
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Kenmore receives consistent rainfall during the wet season. For example, average rainfall in January is ~2.87 inches; February ~2.28 inches; April drops to ~1.89 inches. Weather U.S.+1
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The rainy days are numerous: Kenmore is reported to have ~166.9 rainy days a year. Weather Atlas
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Even though monthly totals might seem moderate, when you combine many rainy days with soils that drain slowly (see above) the duration of saturation near the foundation increases.
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Implication: The more frequent the rainfall and the longer soils stay wet, the greater the risk of basement water intrusion if drainage is inadequate.
3. Topography and drainage characteristics
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Kenmore’s elevation and terrain vary significantly: one data source lists minimum elevation around ‑2 m (~‑7 ft) and maximum elevation up to ~171 m (~561 ft) above sea level. Topographic maps+1 Another source lists the average elevation about 80 m (~262 ft). Worldwide Elevation Map Finder
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The terrain is described as “ridge and valley” topography: upland plateaus, recessional glacial deposits, valleys, and the lowland of the Sammamish River Valley which bisects Kenmore. EZView+1
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Sloped lots and the presence of steeper slopes in parts of Kenmore (especially uplands transitioning to lowlands) mean that surface runoff or subsurface flow paths can direct water toward foundations or low spots near homes. The comprehensive plan identifies steep slopes and stream ravines as part of the local environment. Washington State Department of Ecology+1
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Implication: Houses in Kenmore situated on slopes, near ravines, or in low‑lying valleys are more likely to experience water movement toward their basements — not only from rainfall but from subsurface groundwater or perched water flowing laterally.
4. Combined effect: Why basement risks are higher in Kenmore
Putting it all together, here’s how the risk emerges in Kenmore:
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A basement is built on or near soils composed of dense glacial till or layered fine‑grained soils → groundwater drainage is naturally restricted.
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Frequent rainfall plus many rainy days keep soils around the foundation saturated for long periods.
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If the property is on a slope, in a valley, or downhill from higher terrain, surface water or groundwater may naturally move toward the foundation.
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With saturated soils and higher hydrostatic pressure (lateral on walls, upward under slabs), there is a heightened chance of:
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seepage through cracks or joints,
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damp or wet basement walls/floors,
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basement flooding during heavy rainfall or when the groundwater rises.
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If landscaping, turf or water‑feature installations raise grade against the home, disrupt drainage, or add additional water load near the foundation, the risk is amplified.
Kenmore basements often experience seepage through foundation walls and floors at the foundation cold joints. We install:
- Interior French drains
- Vertical drain wall membrane
- Sump pumps and battery backups
- Exterior drainage solutions
Kenmore homes generally deal 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 Kenmore waterproofing specialists
✔ Long-lasting solutions and warranties
✔ Certified mold remediation experts
✔ Quick response for emergency leaks
Serving all neighborhoods in the city of Kenmore, WA
Request a free waterproofing estimate today.