Water Damage FAQ for Homeowners
These are short answers to the questions people ask most after a leak. Each one links to the page that covers it in full, with sources.
Water still coming in? Call (425) 307-0286 to be connected with an independent local restoration company.
Water in the house right now
What should I do first?
Make the area safe, then shut off the water at the main valve. Take photos before anything is moved. Our first-hour checklist walks through every step in order.
Where is my main water shutoff?
In most Bellevue homes the main shutoff is near the meter or the point where the water line enters the house. Some homes also have a valve in the garage. If the leak is at the meter or in the street, call Bellevue Utilities at 425-452-7840 (City of Bellevue). For water damage inside your home, call (425) 307-0286.
Who should I call first: a plumber, my insurer or a restoration company?
Call whoever can stop the water first, usually a plumber. Then call your insurer and a restoration company the same day. See who to call first.
Is it safe to stay in my house?
Often, yes, if it was a clean-water leak in one part of the house and the power there is off. Sewage, flood water or wet wiring are reasons to stay elsewhere. How we work explains what living with drying equipment is like.
My ceiling is sagging or dripping. What do I do?
Get people and pets out of the room below, and don’t push on the bulge. Turn off power to that room at the breaker if you can do it from a dry spot. Our ceiling water damage page covers the rest.
My pipes burst in a freeze. What now?
Shut off the main before you mop. Many burst-pipe leaks start at the thaw, when ice that plugged a crack melts. See burst pipe water damage and the Bellevue frozen pipe guide.
Drying and repairs
How long does drying take?
Drying ends when readings show the materials have reached the drying goal, not on a set number of days. Hardwood, slab floors and cabinets can take longer. Our drying time guide explains the readings.
Can I turn off the fans at night?
No. Drying is most efficient when the equipment runs day and night, and switching it off can make drying take longer and cost more. See drying time.
What do “Category 2” and “Class 3” mean?
The category is how dirty the water is, from 1 (clean) to 3 (grossly contaminated). The class, from 1 to 4, is how much there is to dry. Our categories and classes guide explains both in plain English.
Can wet drywall be saved?
Often, if it isn’t swollen and the seams are still tight. If it’s swollen or the seams have split, the EPA says to remove and replace it. See water damage repair.
Can my carpet or hardwood be saved?
It depends on the water category and how fast drying starts. Clean water caught fast often means carpet can be dried in place. See water extraction and drying.
Do repairs need a permit?
Cosmetic work like paint, carpet and cabinets doesn’t. Plumbing and water heater replacement can require a City of Bellevue plumbing permit (City of Bellevue, Plumbing Permits). Details are on our repair page.
Cost and insurance
How much does water damage restoration cost?
National price ranges, from the sources named, are on our water damage restoration cost page. Sewage, hardwood or a whole floor costs more.
Does homeowners insurance cover water damage?
Usually, if the damage was sudden and accidental, like a burst pipe. Coverage for gradual leaks can differ, and standard policies generally don’t cover flood (Washington Office of the Insurance Commissioner). Read the Washington insurance guide.
Is a slab leak covered?
Often the water damage is covered and the pipe repair isn’t. It depends on your policy wording. See slab leak water damage.
Can a restoration company handle my claim or waive my deductible?
No. Negotiating an insurance claim on someone’s behalf is public-adjuster activity under Washington law (RCW 48.17.010). A company should not offer to waive or absorb your deductible. It can document the damage and talk with your adjuster about the work.
Do I have to use my insurer’s preferred company?
No. Once coverage is determined, you have the right to select your own contractor (Washington Office of the Insurance Commissioner). See the hiring guide.
Who pays
I rent. Who pays for the damage?
The landlord’s insurance repairs the building, and a landlord must keep plumbing and structural components in reasonable repair (RCW 59.18.060). Your renters insurance covers your belongings. Tell your landlord in writing first, then read who pays for water damage.
The leak came from the unit above me. Who pays?
Start with your own insurer. Condo and rental rules depend on the documents and the policies involved. Details are in who pays for water damage.
What if a City sewer main backed up into my house?
The City of Bellevue maintains main sewer lines and service connections in the public right-of-way. Problems in the private side sewer line are generally handled by a private plumber (City of Bellevue, Wastewater). See sewage backup cleanup.
Mold
How fast does mold grow after a leak?
EPA guidance recommends responding to water damage within 24 to 48 hours to help prevent mold growth. See mold remediation.
Can I clean mold myself?
For an area under about 10 square feet, roughly 3 by 3 feet, usually yes (EPA). Fix the water first. For bigger areas, or a musty smell with no mold you can see, call a professional. See mold remediation.
Can one company test for mold and remove it?
Ask whether the same company will test and remove the mold, and whether its testing is independent. Our Washington mold law guide explains the options.
About this site
How does a call work?
You call (425) 307-0286, and a call partner connects you with a participating independent restoration company that serves Bellevue. You talk with that company directly. How we work has the details.
Which areas does the line cover?
Five ZIP codes in Bellevue: 98004, 98005, 98006, 98007 and 98008. See service areas.
How do I check a company before I hire it?
Ask for its registration, bond and insurance details, and look them up yourself with the Washington L&I verify tool. Check IICRC certification on the IICRC Global Locator. Our hiring guide lists every lookup.
Questions about water in your home? Call (425) 307-0286
Shut off the water, take photos, then call. We connect you with an independent local restoration company. More guides are in our water damage resources.