Rain & Storm Flooding
Rain & Storm Flooding in Bellevue, WA
When the rain finds a way in
Long wet spells load the ground and the gutters at the same time. Water that should run away from the house collects against the foundation instead, fills window wells and pushes through the joint between slab and wall in daylight basements and split-levels. Gutters clogged with needles and moss send roof water straight down beside the foundation.
Bellevue's flood guidance tells homeowners to install a sump pump and test it before storms, to clear leaves from nearby storm drains, and notes that private drainage such as culverts and driveway drains is the owner's to maintain (Bellevue flood protection). If your home is in danger of flooding, the city's 24-hour line is 425-452-7840.
In Bellevue
- Flood insurance discount
- Bellevue residents get a 25% discount on National Flood Insurance Program policies because of the city's floodplain management (city page).
- Check the flood map
- The city points to its flood insurance rate maps to see whether a property is in a floodplain.
- Lake and creek levels
- Bellevue posts real-time levels for Lake Sammamish and Mercer Creek (Slough) so owners near them can judge when to sandbag.
- Gas and power
- For gas or electric shutoff guidance during flooding, Puget Sound Energy is 1-888-225-5773.
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
Is rain getting into the house covered by insurance?
It depends on how it got in and your policy. The Washington Insurance Commissioner notes that a typical home policy excludes flood damage (OIC). Ask your insurer about your situation.
Should I pump out a flooded window well?
If it's safe, a wet-vac or small pump can stop more water getting in. Then find out why it filled: a clogged drain at the bottom of the well or a gutter dumping into it are common.
Who fixes the gutters and drainage?
A gutter, roofing or drainage contractor. The restoration contractor deals with the water inside.
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.
- Broken & Frozen PipesA supply hose that let go or a pipe split in a cold snap: water off first, then extraction and drying.
- 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.