Burst pipes
Shut off, extract, dry.
See the steps →Bellevue, WA · King County
Water Damage Restoration in Bellevue, WA
Water damage restoration is the work of removing water and drying a home after a leak or flood. Homeowners call (425) 307-0286 to be connected with an independent local restoration company, whether the water is on the floor or a pipe has just burst.
Turn off the main shut-off valve to stop the flow of water Dry wet materials within 24 to 48 hours Avoid wading in floodwater Do not turn on your HVAC until the home is dry Check a contractor with the L&I verify tool
What we handle in Bellevue
Pick what happened
Each page explains the steps and what to expect.
Water heater & AC leaks
Tank failures, attic drain pans and ceiling leaks.
See the steps →Flood & storm water
Rain, creek water and hail-damaged roofs.
See the steps →Extraction & drying
Water out fast, then measured, daily drying.
See the steps →Water in your home right now? Do these 4 things first
Four steps limit the damage while help is on the way.
- Turn off the main shut-off valve. It controls the flow of water into your home, so turning it off stops excessive water loss and flooding. It is often in the basement, the garage or outdoors by the foundation (City of Bellevue).
- Turn off the electricity if it is safe to do so. Do not touch electrical equipment if it is wet or if you are standing in water (FEMA).
- Avoid wading in floodwater. It can be contaminated, and underground or downed power lines can electrically charge it (FEMA).
- Remove standing water safely. Make the house safe from structural, electrical and physical hazards, including slips and falls (US EPA). Then call (425) 307-0286.
Water coming in now? Call (425) 307-0286
We’ll connect you with an independent local restoration company.
What happens on the first visit
A first visit has six steps: a walk-through, moisture readings, removal of standing water, monitoring of the drying, a safety check and written records.
1. Walk-through and questions
The technician looks at every wet area and asks where the water came from and how long it ran. Tell them which rooms are wet and what has already been moved.
2. Measuring the moisture
Moisture meters can measure the moisture content of building materials after water damage (US EPA). Ask the company to show you the readings.
3. Removing standing water
Ask how standing water will be removed, which equipment will be used and how long it will run.
4. Monitoring the drying
Moisture meters can also monitor the drying process (US EPA). Ask the company to document its readings and explain its dry-standard goal.
Hardwood, slab floors and cabinets need their own readings. More on this in the drying time guide.
5. Safety check before work starts
Ask which areas will be off-limits, whether power to the wet areas has been turned off, and what the company needs you to stay away from.
6. Records for your claim
Ask for dated photos, the moisture readings and a list of what was removed. Those records help you and your insurer see what happened.
What usually floods Bellevue homes
Pipes, water heaters, appliances, and drain lines can fail with age or sudden mechanical problems. In Bellevue, common sources of water damage include failed water heaters, leaks from upstairs bathrooms or HVAC equipment, burst pipes during cold snaps, hidden supply-line leaks, and stormwater entering through roofs, doors, foundations, or low areas.
| Cause | What happens | Read more |
|---|---|---|
| Water heaters | Replacing a water heater, and related plumbing work, can require a City of Bellevue permit. | Water heater and AC leak damage |
| Upstairs bathrooms and ceilings | A clogged condensate line or overflowing drain pan can allow moisture to spread into nearby ceilings or walls. A leak at an upstairs tub, toilet or shower can show up in the room below. | Ceiling water damage |
| Burst and frozen pipes | Bellevue’s winters are generally mild, but cold snaps can freeze pipes. The City of Bellevue identifies exposed outdoor faucets and pipes in unheated attics, garages and crawl spaces as especially vulnerable. Freezing temperatures can cause pipes to break, so protect exposed pipes and call a plumber if a pipe breaks. | Burst pipe water damage · Frozen pipe guide |
| Hidden supply-line and drain leaks | Pipe repairs and alterations can require a City of Bellevue plumbing permit. | Slab leak water damage |
| Storm and heavy-rain water | Bellevue’s stormwater system uses streams, lakes, wetlands, pipes, catch basins, culverts and flood-control sites to move runoff toward Lake Washington and Lake Sammamish. During intense storms, that system can be overwhelmed, and blocked storm drains or culverts can cause localized flooding. | Flood and storm water damage |
Is it clean water or dirty water?
Water is classified by contamination level, and the level decides how it is cleaned. Sewage and outside floodwater need more protective cleanup than a clean supply-line leak.
| Category | Water type | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Category 1 | Clean water | A broken supply line or a water heater tank |
| Category 2 | Gray water | Water with contaminants, such as a washing machine or dishwasher overflow |
| Category 3 | Black water | Sewage, or flood water from outside |
Porous materials contaminated by sewage or floodwater often cannot be reliably cleaned and may need to be removed (US EPA). Full explanation: water damage categories and classes.
Will homeowners insurance cover it?
Homeowner insurance often covers sudden, accidental water damage, such as a burst pipe. Coverage for gradual leaks and damage from delayed repairs can differ, so check your policy (Washington Office of the Insurance Commissioner).
Ask the restoration company for dated photos, moisture readings and a record of what was removed. Those records give your claim clear proof of what happened and when.
Washington rules generally require an insurer to investigate a claim within 30 days after notice (WAC 284-30-370), and to accept or deny a first-party claim within 15 working days after receiving completed proofs of loss (WAC 284-30-380).
Negotiating an insurance claim on behalf of an insured is public-adjuster activity under Washington law (RCW 48.17.010). A restoration company should document the loss and work with your adjuster, rather than act as your public adjuster. More in the Washington water damage insurance guide.
Before you sign anything
- You’ll usually be asked to sign a work authorization so drying can start. Read it first.
- Once coverage is determined, you have the right to select your own contractor. Your insurer may recommend contractors, but it is not required to provide a list (Washington Office of the Insurance Commissioner).
The guide to hiring a restoration company has the full checklist.
Areas we cover around Bellevue
Our service area covers five ZIP codes, from downtown and West Bellevue to the eastern residential areas along Lake Sammamish.
- 98004Downtown & West BellevueIncludes Medina, Clyde Hill, Beaux Arts, and Meydenbauer.
- 98005Wilburton & BelRedIncludes the Spring District and portions of north Bellevue.
- 98006South Bellevue & SomersetIncludes Factoria, Newport Shores, and Newcastle border.
- 98007Lake HillsThe central residential and commercial hub near Bellevue College.
- 98008Crossroads & Phantom LakeThe eastern residential belt bordering Lake Sammamish.
Bellevue ZIP codes
Mold after a leak: what to know
Prompt drying helps prevent mold growth. EPA guidance recommends responding to water damage within 24 to 48 hours.
Washington has no specific certification requirements for mold or water-damage restoration. Make sure the contractor you hire is licensed, bonded and insured, and ask about relevant training and standards (Washington State Department of Health).
How to check a restoration company
Check a restoration company’s registration, bond, insurance and mold experience before work starts.
- Use the Washington L&I verify tool to check that a contractor has an active registration, bond and insurance.
- Check that the company maintains a safe job site, and check its license history for past lawsuits or violations.
- Make sure the contractor has experience cleaning up mold, and check references.
- Look up the firm on the IICRC Global Locator for IICRC-certified professionals and firms.
- Only L&I-certified plumbers can legally perform plumbing work on someone else’s property.
- Contractors working in Bellevue must meet state registration requirements, and the City requires permits for covered plumbing work, including water-heater replacement.
What a proper job looks like is covered on the extraction and drying page.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to move out while my home dries?
Ask the restoration company which areas will be off-limits and how long the equipment will run. The extraction and drying page explains what to expect day to day.
Can wet carpet pad be saved?
Whether carpet pad can be saved depends on the water source, the contamination and how quickly it is dried. Sewage- or flood-contaminated porous materials often need removal (US EPA). See water extraction and drying.
How long does drying take?
Moisture meters can monitor the drying process, so ask the company for its readings (US EPA). See how long drying takes.
What should I wear before going into a flooded home?
Wear protective gloves, an N95 respirator and goggles without holes (US EPA). See what to do right after water damage.
Should I turn on the heating or AC after water damage?
Not until you have cleaned and dried the home and completed any needed repairs and remediation (US EPA).
Do I need to test for mold after a leak?
You don’t need to sample for mold in most cases, because you can usually see or smell it. A clean, dry house still has some mold spores, but not enough to cause health problems (Washington State Department of Health).
Who is responsible for frozen pipes?
You are responsible for protecting water pipes from freezing and for repairing broken pipes on your property. If you suspect the meter is frozen, call Bellevue Utilities at 425-452-7840 (City of Bellevue).
Do I have to use the company my insurance company recommends?
No. Once coverage is determined, you have the right to select your own contractor. Your insurer may recommend contractors, but it is not required to provide a list (Washington Office of the Insurance Commissioner). The hiring guide lists what to check.
How long does restoration take?
Drying ends when the materials reach a dry standard, which moisture readings show. It is not a set number of days.
What is the difference between extraction and drying?
Extraction removes standing water. Drying removes the moisture that stays in walls, floors and cabinets.
Can I dry it myself?
For a small, clean spill on a hard floor, a wet vacuum can remove the water. Dry the surface promptly and watch for moisture reaching walls or flooring (US EPA). Anything from sewage or outside flooding needs professional cleaning. See what to do right after water damage.
What if the City’s water main or sewer line caused the damage?
The City of Bellevue maintains main sewer lines and service connections in the public right-of-way or dedicated easements. Problems in the private side sewer line are generally handled by a private plumber (City of Bellevue Wastewater). For a major water-main or street leak, contact Bellevue Utilities at 425-452-7840.
Water in your home? Call (425) 307-0286
We connect you with an independent local company. You decide who to hire.