Overflowing gutters
Clogged gutters dump water right at the foundation, where it seeps into basements and crawl spaces.
When an atmospheric river parks over the Eastside, water finds its way in: under doors, through window wells, up through floors. Flood water is not clean. It carries mud, bacteria and chemicals. Our emergency flood crews remove it safely, clean and disinfect, and dry your home. We answer 24 hours a day and arrive the same day across Kirkland, WA. Need flood cleanup near me during a storm? Call now.
Water that comes in from outside has touched soil, streets, storm drains and sometimes sewage. The industry calls it Category 3 water, the most contaminated kind. That means soaked carpet, pad and lower drywall usually must be removed, not just dried. Everything it touched needs cleaning and an antimicrobial treatment so mold and bacteria do not take hold.
Clogged gutters dump water right at the foundation, where it seeps into basements and crawl spaces.
Basement window wells fill like buckets in heavy rain, then leak through the window frame.
Saturated soil pushes water up through slab cracks and floor drains.
Water flows under doors on homes built below the street or at the bottom of a slope.
Wind lifts shingles and drops branches, letting rain into attics. See roof tarping.
Overloaded drains can push water back up through floor drains into lower levels.
Insurance companies treat these very differently. Here is the general rule, though your policy decides.
| Situation | Usually called | Often covered by |
|---|---|---|
| Wind tears off shingles and rain leaks into the attic | Storm damage | Homeowners insurance |
| A tree branch breaks a window and rain gets in | Storm damage | Homeowners insurance |
| Surface water flows across the ground and into your home | Flood damage | Flood insurance (NFIP or private) |
| A creek or the lake rises into your yard and home | Flood damage | Flood insurance |
| Rain soaks the ground and water seeps through the foundation | Seepage | Often excluded; check your policy |
| Storm drain or sewer backs up into the house | Sewer backup | Only with a sewer backup add-on |
Planning ahead: National Flood Insurance Program policies usually have a 30 day waiting period before they start. Buy before the rainy season, not during a flood warning. Learn more on our insurance claim help page.
Flood water hides dangers. Please take these steps before you start moving things around.
Do not enter a flooded room if water is touching outlets, cords or the electrical panel. Have the power shut off first.
Wear rubber boots, gloves and an N95 mask if you must go near flood water or wet materials. Wash any skin that touches the water.
Flood water can carry bacteria and chemicals from roads, yards and drains.
If water reached the furnace or ducts, running it can spread contamination and odors. We can check it for you.
Once it is safe, our team handles the rest, from water removal and mud cleanup to packing out and cleaning your belongings.
We confirm power is off where needed and check for structural or gas concerns.
Pumps remove standing water. We shovel and scrape out mud and silt.
Flood-soaked carpet, pad, insulation and lower drywall are removed, often in a clean flood cut.
Every surface the water touched is cleaned and treated with an antimicrobial.
Structural drying with dehumidifiers and air movers until readings hit their goal.
We replace drywall, insulation and flooring through reconstruction.
Recent atmospheric river storms damaged hundreds of homes across King County. In Kirkland, these spots see the most trouble.
Clean gutters and downspouts in October and again in late fall.
Extend downspouts at least 4 to 6 feet from the foundation.
Add clear covers to basement window wells.
Test your sump pump before the first big rain.
Keep storm drains on your street clear of leaves.
Store important papers and photos off the basement floor.
Ask about a backwater valve if your floor drain has backed up before.
Review your flood and sewer backup coverage now.
Sump pumps and windows are often the first defense, or the first failure.
Independent restoration company. Not affiliated with these manufacturers.
Our crews work through storms across Kirkland and these nearby cities.
Yes. Flood water from outside is considered Category 3, the most contaminated type. It can carry bacteria, chemicals, fuel and sewage. Avoid touching it, and do not let children or pets play in it.
Most standard homeowners policies do not cover flooding from surface water or rising water. That needs a separate flood policy. Storm damage like wind or a fallen tree that lets rain in is usually covered by homeowners insurance. Your policy decides the details.
Drywall soaked by outside flood water is usually removed, at least up to a foot or two above the water line. It soaks up contamination and is hard to clean. Drywall above the line can often stay.
As soon as it is safe. Mold can start within 24 to 48 hours, and contaminated water keeps soaking into walls and floors. Fast cleanup also gives your insurance claim a stronger record.
Yes. We remove mud and silt from floors, walls and belongings, then clean and disinfect the surfaces before drying.
Yes. We respond 24 hours a day, including during active storms, as long as it is safe for our crew to reach your home.
Call (425) 592-3603 for 24 hour emergency flood cleanup in Kirkland. We remove contaminated water safely and start drying the same day. See everything we do on the homepage.
Open 24 hours, 7 days a week: (425) 592-3603