Aging pipes
Galvanized steel and old fittings rust from the inside and can burst. See burst pipes.
The Market neighborhood is where Kirkland began. Along Market Street and the blocks near Waverly Beach Park and Heritage Park, some homes date back to the town's first years in the 1890s, next to newer homes with lake views. Old homes have materials worth saving: plaster walls, old-growth fir floors and original trim. Our emergency crews answer 24 hours a day and come the same day to dry them with care.
In an older home, original materials are hard or impossible to match. Our approach is to dry in place wherever we can: plaster, wood floors, trim and built-ins. We only remove what cannot be saved, and we photograph everything first. If repairs are needed, our reconstruction team works to match what is there.
Galvanized steel and old fittings rust from the inside and can burst. See burst pipes.
Tubs and toilets on the second floor leak into plaster ceilings.
Older foundations let water in during long rains.
Wood windows and sills let wind-driven rain into walls.
Additions joined to old houses can leak where they meet.
Tanks in basements and closets leak with age.
| Material | What water does | What we do |
|---|---|---|
| Lath and plaster | Stains, softens, can loosen | Dry in place, check for loose keys, repair where needed |
| Old-growth fir floors | Cups and swells | Slow, controlled drying with floor mats; see hardwood drying |
| Original trim and built-ins | Swells and loosens | Dry carefully; remove and reinstall only if needed |
| Basement walls | Damp and musty | Extract, dry and check for mold; see basement cleanup |
| Newer drywall in remodels | Wicks water up | Cut out wet sections and repair drywall |
Older homes can hide materials that need special handling. We check before cutting or sanding.
Homes built before 1978 may have lead paint. We follow safe work practices when we disturb painted surfaces.
Some older plaster, flooring and pipe wrap can contain asbestos. When it is a concern, testing comes first.
Water near old wiring is dangerous. We make sure power is safe before drying starts.
Careful work protects your family and our crew, and keeps your home's history intact.
Have a plumber check galvanized pipes if you see rusty water or low pressure.
Replace old supply lines and test that shut-off valves still turn.
Keep gutters and downspouts clear so water stays away from old foundations.
Check window sills each fall for soft or cracked wood.
Watch ceilings below bathrooms for new stains or bubbling paint.
Know where your main shut-off is, often in the basement.
We help you stop the water safely.
Market is close to downtown; most calls get a crew within hours.
Photos and moisture readings before we touch anything.
Plaster, floors and trim dried slowly and carefully.
Until every material is dry.
Repairs that respect the home's age and style.
Independent restoration company. Not affiliated with these manufacturers.
We also serve the neighborhoods around Market.
Often, yes. Plaster can usually be dried in place if it is still firmly attached. Loose or sagging plaster may need repair.
Slowly. Fast drying can crack old wood. We use floor drying mats and control the room's humidity, checking every day.
Many homes built before the 1960s did. Galvanized pipes rust inside and can leak or burst over time.
When work could disturb old paint or materials, we follow safe practices and arrange testing when needed.
Usually the same day, often within a couple of hours.
We work to match species, profiles and finishes, and save original pieces whenever we can.
Call (425) 592-3603 for 24 hour water damage help in the Market neighborhood. See all service areas or our homepage.
Open 24 hours, 7 days a week: (425) 592-3603