Broken & Frozen Pipes
Broken & Frozen Pipes in Bellevue, WA
Water off, then the clock starts
The City of Bellevue's advice is direct: if a pipe breaks, close the main shut-off valve immediately, and if you don't have one or it's broken, turn the water off at the meter by turning the valve clockwise (city frozen-pipe page). If you think the meter itself is frozen, call Bellevue Utilities at 425-452-7840.
Once the water is off, you need two people: a plumber for the pipe and a restoration contractor for the water it released. In Washington, plumbing work on someone else's property is for L&I-certified plumbers (L&I plumber program), so the restoration company may bring one in or you may call your own.
Bellevue's frozen-pipe guidance
- Whose pipes?
- The city says homeowners are responsible for protecting pipes from freezing and repairing broken pipes on their property.
- Before a freeze
- Insulate exposed pipes, let a cold tap drip on exposed runs and keep the thermostat steady; no lower than 55°F when away.
- Thawing safely
- Wrap with rags and pour hot water over them. Never an open flame or an electric device.
- Water heater damage
- Replacing a water heater needs a Bellevue permit; after an emergency repair you get it on the next city work day (city FAQ).
How it works
Four steps, one phone call
Call
Tell whoever answers what happened, where the water or smoke came from and your ZIP code.
Connect
You're put through to an independent restoration contractor serving your part of the Eastside.
Assess
They inspect, measure moisture, explain what has to come out and give you their price.
Decide
Hire them or not. The agreement is between you and the contractor.
Questions
Common questions
Where is my shut-off valve?
Often where the water line enters the house: a garage wall, a crawl space, near the water heater or in a utility room. Condos may have one per unit, often near the water heater or in a closet. Find it before you need it.
Why did a pipe burst after it warmed up?
Water expands as it freezes and splits the pipe; the leak only shows when the ice thaws. That's why breaks often appear the morning after a cold night.
Do I need a permit to fix the pipe?
Bellevue requires plumbing permits for new or moved fixtures and for water heater replacement, but not for replacing a fixture with a similar one in the same place (work requiring permits). Your plumber will know.
Also
Other kinds of damage
- Water Damage CleanupLeaks, overflows and failed appliances: water out, materials dried and checked, damage repaired.
- Condo & Townhome LeaksWater through the ceiling from upstairs, or your leak reaching the unit below: what to do and who to tell.
- Rain & Storm FloodingOverflowing gutters, flooded window wells and water in the lower level after heavy rain.
- Crawl Space WaterStanding water, soaked insulation or a torn vapor barrier under the house: pumped, dried and checked.
- Sewage Backup CleanupSewage up through a floor drain, tub or toilet: contaminated materials out, surfaces cleaned and sanitized.
- Mold RemediationMold after a leak, in a crawl space or from condensation: moisture fixed, area contained, materials removed.
- Fire & Smoke DamageSoot, smoke odor and the water used to fight the fire: cleaned, deodorized, dried and repaired.
Water, smoke or mold
Get a restoration contractor on the phone
One call connects you with an independent contractor serving Bellevue, Kirkland, Redmond, Renton, Issaquah, Sammamish and Mercer Island. Say what happened, where the water came from and how long it's been wet.
Something wet that shouldn't be? Call now.
Your call goes to an independent restoration contractor that works in Bellevue and on the Eastside.
Call (425) 592-3275Calls may be recorded. Read the referral disclosure and privacy policy.