Water Damage Restoration in Seattle, WA

First Steps for Water in a Home in Seattle

• Burst pipe: shut the main water valve, then open the lowest faucet to drain the lines (burst pipe steps).
• Stay clear of wet outlets and cords.
• Photograph the damage, then call your insurer.

Seattle Flood Record

NOAA has 9 flood and flash flood reports for King, Pierce and Snohomish counties from 2016 to 2025, on 6 separate days; November had the most.

At the Mercer Island 1.5 NW gauge, November is the wettest month with 5.9 inches on average.

Freezing Nights in Seattle

Seattle averages 25 nights a year at or below 32°F (Seattle Sand Point WSFO station). NOAA counted 92 winter storm, ice or extreme cold days in King, Pierce and Snohomish counties from 2016 to 2025.

Unheated crawl spaces, attics and garages freeze first (Red Cross); keep the heat at 55°F or more (IBHS).

Storms and Disasters in Seattle

King, Pierce and Snohomish counties were named in 11 federal weather or fire declarations since 2016 (OpenFEMA).

Notable NOAA storm reports

• November 12, 2021: Flood (Snohomish County)Heavy rain and snow melt pushed a number of rivers above flood stage. Moderate flooding occurred on the Snohomish and Skykomish Rivers, with minor flooding on the Stillaguamish.
• January 12, 2021: Flood (King County)The Snoqualmie and White Rivers exceeded flood stage. Urban and small stream flooding occurred as well. Heavy rain caused some landslides.

Federal disaster declarations

• April 7, 2026: Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Flooding, Landslides, And MudslidesFlood, FEMA DR-4906
• December 12, 2025: Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Flooding, Landslides, And MudslidesFlood, FEMA EM-3629
• April 28, 2024: Severe Winter Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Flooding, Landslides, And MudslidesSevere Storm, FEMA DR-4775
• January 12, 2023: Severe Winter Storm, Straight-Line Winds, Flooding, Landslides, And MudslidesSevere Storm, FEMA DR-4682
• September 10, 2022: Bolt Creek FireFire, FEMA FM-5455
• April 8, 2021: Severe Winter Storm, Straight-Line Winds, Flooding, Landslides, And MudslidesSevere Storm, FEMA DR-4593
• September 9, 2020: Sumner Grade FireFire, FEMA FM-5360
• April 23, 2020: Severe Storms, Flooding, Landslides, And MudslidesFlood, FEMA DR-4539

Seattle Housing at a Glance

Census figures for the city of Seattle (American Community Survey, 2020 to 2024): 393,918 housing units, a median build year of 1976, 53% built before 1980, 46% before 1970, 44% owner occupied.

Washington Insurance Rules for Water Claims

Washington insurers must acknowledge a claim notice under an individual policy within 10 business days (WAC 284-30-360).

Claim problems in Washington go to the Washington Office of the Insurance Commissioner.

Flood damage needs a separate flood policy, which typically starts 30 days after purchase (FloodSmart). Look up Seattle flood zones on FEMA's flood maps.

Restoration Cost Guide for Seattle

Sources: Bob Vila, May 2023; III, 2019 to 2023.

Areas Served Around Seattle

The same 24/7 line covers the Seattle metro area, including:

• Seattle
• Tacoma
• Bellevue
• Kent
• Everett
• Renton
• Federal Way
• Kirkland
• Auburn
• Redmond
• Marysville
• Sammamish

Other Washington city guides

• Spokane water damage restoration

Water damage restoration in all cities

Questions

When is the first freeze in Seattle?

The median first night at or below 32°F is November 23 and the median last is March 8 at the Seattle Sand Point WSFO station (NOAA normals, 1991 to 2020).

How fast does mold start?

Dry wet materials within 24 to 48 hours (EPA).