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Typical jobs across King County

The calls we handle most often: what homeowners notice, what our technicians do, and what to expect.

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8 job stories

The calls we handle most

Typical job
Illustration: A clogged window well sends rain into a Seattle daylight basement

A clogged window well sends rain into a Seattle daylight basement

What homeowners notice
After a week of steady rain, a family in a hillside Craftsman notices a damp smell in the finished lower level and carpet that is cold and soft along one wall. A window well packed with needles and leaves has filled and is spilling through the frame.
What we do
The technician pumps the standing water, lifts the wet pad, cuts the bottom of the paneling back above the wet line, and sets a dehumidifier and air movers in the closed room. The window well is cleared and a drainage contractor is suggested for the downspout nearby.
What to expect
Readings on the slab and framing are logged at each visit until they match a dry wall in the same house, and the photographs go to the homeowner for the insurer.

1 to 2 days typical visit

Typical job
Illustration: A corroded galvanized line wets plaster in a mid-century Bellevue house

A corroded galvanized line wets plaster in a mid-century Bellevue house

What homeowners notice
A homeowner finds a brown stain low on a hallway wall and a water meter that moves with every tap closed. A section of original galvanized supply pipe has split behind the plaster.
What we do
With the main closed, the technician traces the wet path with a meter and thermal camera, removes only the soaked plaster section and insulation, and sets dehumidifiers and air movers. A plumber repairs the line separately.
What to expect
The wall cavity reaches its dry reading after several visits, and rebuilding of the wall is quoted separately once drying is signed off.

3 to 4 days typical visit

Typical job
Illustration: River water reaches the lower level of a Renton house after a long storm

River water reaches the lower level of a Renton house after a long storm

What homeowners notice
After days of heavy rain, a nearby river rises and water enters the lower level of a house, leaving mud on the floor and a smell of silt. The water is treated as Category 3 from the start.
What we do
Crews in protective gear pump the water in stages, shovel out silt, remove carpet, pad and wet drywall, then clean and disinfect hard surfaces before drying the slab and framing.
What to expect
The homeowner receives the photographs, an itemized list of removed materials and the moisture log, with flood coverage left to the insurer.

4 to 6 days typical visit

Typical job
Illustration: A root-blocked side sewer backs up a floor drain in a Kirkland basement

A root-blocked side sewer backs up a floor drain in a Kirkland basement

What homeowners notice
A basement floor drain begins to gurgle and then pushes gray water across the laundry area. The side sewer, which belongs to the homeowner, is blocked by roots.
What we do
The technician contains the area, extracts the water in protective gear, removes the carpet and the bottom of the drywall, then cleans, disinfects and dries. A side-sewer contractor clears and repairs the line, and a backwater valve is discussed.
What to expect
Final readings confirm the area is dry, and the homeowner is told which records to give an insurer who may cover backup only by endorsement.

2 to 3 days typical visit

Typical job
Illustration: A moss-lifted shingle leaks into a bedroom ceiling in Edmonds

A moss-lifted shingle leaks into a bedroom ceiling in Edmonds

What homeowners notice
A tan stain appears on a bedroom ceiling a week after a long soaking front. Moss has lifted a shingle tab, and attic insulation above the room is flattened and dark.
What we do
A roofer repairs the roof. The technician drains the sagging section, removes the wet insulation and ceiling board, and dries the rafters and room with dehumidifiers and air movers.
What to expect
Readings on the framing match a dry reference, and a repair scope for the ceiling goes to the homeowner.

3 to 5 days typical visit

Typical job
Illustration: Winter groundwater collects under a Bainbridge Island house

Winter groundwater collects under a Bainbridge Island house

What homeowners notice
A musty smell and cupped floors lead a homeowner to open the crawl space hatch and find standing water and insulation hanging from the joists.
What we do
The technician pumps the water out, removes the wet insulation and damaged vapor barrier, and dries the joists and subfloor with a desiccant dehumidifier suited to the cold space. Drainage work is recommended to a separate contractor.
What to expect
Joist and subfloor readings are logged until dry, and the homeowner leaves with photographs and the name of the trade to call about drainage.

3 to 5 days typical visit

Typical job
Illustration: A failed water heater floods a utility room on Mercer Island

A failed water heater floods a utility room on Mercer Island

What homeowners notice
A tank water heater in a lower-level utility room leaks from the base and soaks the floor, the wall bottoms and boxes stored beside it.
What we do
With the cold supply and power shut off, the technician extracts the water, lifts the stored items, cuts back the wet baseboard and drywall bottom and dries the slab and wall with air movers and a dehumidifier. A plumber replaces the heater.
What to expect
The slab and wall readings are logged to the dry goal, and the homeowner is advised about a drain pan and a leak sensor.

2 to 3 days typical visit

Typical job
Illustration: A washer hose bursts in a Seattle condo and wets the unit below

A washer hose bursts in a Seattle condo and wets the unit below

What homeowners notice
A braided hose behind a stacked washer fails while the owner is out, and water runs through the floor into the ceiling of the unit below.
What we do
The technician extracts water in both units with the neighbors' agreement, traces moisture in the floor and ceiling cavities, removes wet drywall and insulation, and runs dehumidifiers in each unit.
What to expect
Both owners receive photographs and moisture logs, and responsibility is left to the association and the insurers.

4 to 5 days typical visit

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