Water damage restoration in Olympia, WA 98502 means work on the Westside: established neighborhoods west of Budd Inlet, the shopping area around Cooper Point Road and, further out, wooded lots toward Mud Bay and Eld Inlet. Census estimates put the median year built for homes in 98502 at about 1987. Through our referral line (opening soon), you can be connected with an independent restoration company that works across 98502.
Trees, roofs and winter storms
The Westside is one of the greener parts of Olympia, and that shows up in the calls restoration companies get. Tall firs drop needles that clog gutters and roof valleys, shaded roofs grow thick moss that lifts shingles, and winter windstorms bring branches and sometimes whole trees down onto houses. Add an average of about 50 inches of precipitation a year at Olympia Airport, most of it between October and March, and ceiling leaks become one of the most common Westside water damage problems.
When a tree or branch opens a roof, the first job is a tarp. The second is getting the wet insulation and drywall dried before mold sets in. See ceiling and roof leak water damage.
City streets and rural roads
98502 covers a large area, much of it outside the city limits. Inside the city, homes are on Olympia water and sewer. Further west, many properties use private wells and septic systems. That changes the kind of leaks crews see:
- Well pump, pressure tank and supply line leaks, often in a well house or garage.
- Septic backups when the drainfield is saturated in a long wet spell. See sewage backup cleanup.
- Long pipe runs through crawl spaces that are exposed during freezes.
Shoreline areas
Parts of 98502 border Eld Inlet and Mud Bay. Thurston Regional Planning Council notes that the Cooper Point, Eld Inlet, Mud Bay and Budd Inlet shorelines lie within McLane Black Lake Fire's service area, and that sea level rise is expected to affect routing for emergency response there. Low-lying waterfront homes can see tidal flooding during king tides combined with storms.
Who to call for what
- Fire or emergency: 911. Inside city limits, the Olympia Fire Department responds. Areas to the west are served by McLane Black Lake Fire.
- Water main or meter leak: City of Olympia utilities, if you are on city water.
- Leak inside the home: a plumber to fix it and a restoration company to dry it.
Common Westside water damage jobs
- Roof and ceiling leaks after windstorms and heavy rain.
- Wet crawl spaces on sloped and wooded lots.
- Frozen and split pipes during cold snaps.
- Water heater and appliance leaks.
Book help in 98502
To reach a restoration company that works on the Westside, email info@olympiawaterdamagewa.com while our phone line is being set up. Tell them whether you are inside the city or on a well and septic system.
Common questions
Which fire department covers the Westside and Cooper Point?
Addresses inside Olympia city limits are served by the Olympia Fire Department. Unincorporated areas west of the city, including the Cooper Point, Mud Bay and Eld Inlet shorelines, fall within McLane Black Lake Fire's service area. Check your property tax statement if you are unsure.
Why do so many Westside homes get roof leaks?
Many lots on the Westside are heavily wooded. Fir needles and leaves clog gutters and roof valleys, moss grows on shaded roofs, and branches come down in winter windstorms. Combined with months of steady rain, those are the most common sources of ceiling leaks restoration crews see here.
Do rural homes west of Olympia have different water risks?
Often, yes. Homes outside city limits may use a private well and septic system, sit on larger lots with more trees, and have longer runs of pipe in crawl spaces. Well pump and pressure tank leaks, septic backups and storm-damaged roofs are all common calls there.
Sources
Facts on this page come from these public sources. Rules and figures change, so check the source before you rely on them.