With the heavy Seattle flooding last month, our team received a surge of calls from worried homeowners across Snohomish and King County. Many were already dealing with water damage—others were trying to make sure their homes were protected from the next storm.
If your home was affected by water damage, or you’re worried it could happen again, the good news is this: there are practical steps you can take right now to reduce risk and storm-proof your home.
These are simple, homeowner-friendly actions that go a long way in preventing flooding and moisture damage. And with Seattle’s climate, we all know another storm is inevitable — it’s just a matter of when.
Looking For Something In Particular?
- 3 Common Signs of Water Damage Homeowners Miss
- How To Storm-Proof Your Seattle Home (Simple Steps You Can Do Now)
- Extra Storm-Prep Tips Seattle Homeowners Ask About
- When To Call a Professional
- Safeguard Your Home From The PNW Rain
3 Common Signs of Water Damage Homeowners Miss
Before we get into prevention, it’s important to recognize early warning signs. Catching water issues early can save thousands in repairs and the safety of your home.
- Water stains or discoloration
Brown or yellow stains on ceilings, walls, or near windows often point to moisture intrusion. Even small marks can signal an ongoing issue behind the surface. It’s easy to ignore until it’s too late. So if you spot it, take note and look for the other signs.
- Musty smells or lingering dampness
If certain rooms smell damp—especially basements, crawl spaces, or near exterior walls—water may be getting in and not drying out properly.
- Peeling paint, bubbling drywall, or warped trim
These are classic signs that moisture has already infiltrated your home. At this stage, the water damage may be spreading out of sight, leading to worse issues like structural damage to your home.
If you’re seeing any of these, take action sooner than later. Here’s what you can do if you run into these issues.
How To Storm-Proof Your Seattle Home (Simple Steps You Can Do Now) From Water Damage
Based on what we’re seeing on recent service calls, these are the most common issues leading to water damage—and what you can do about them.
- Clear your gutters and downspouts
Clogged gutters cause rainwater to overflow directly toward siding and foundations instead of draining safely away. This is one of the easiest and most effective ways to prevent water damage – and it only takes a ladder, gloves, and a hose.
To clear them, use a sturdy ladder and gloves to remove leaves and debris by hand, then flush the gutters with a garden hose to make sure water flows freely. If water backs up, the downspout may be clogged—spray water directly down it or use a small snake to break up debris. Make sure downspouts drain water several feet away from your home to prevent foundation issues.
- Seal exterior gaps around windows and doors
Tiny cracks may not look serious, but during prolonged rain, water will find them, and enter them.
What to do:
- Check out your exterior trim and siding joints
- Apply exterior-grade caulk where gaps are visible (you can use cheap caulk)
- Pay close attention to older windows and doors. They’re more prone to leaks.
This small step can prevent moisture from getting into walls and causing long-term structural damage.
- Redirect pooling water near your foundation
Standing water around your home increases the risk of your foundation sloping and basement flooding.
What to do (even temporarily):
- Adjust soil grading with a shovel so water slopes away from the house (no pools and puddles)
- Add gravel to problem areas
- Use sandbags during major storms if needed as a wall of protection
Temporary fixes can still make a big difference during intense rainfall. If these fixes don’t prevent pooling in future rain bouts and storms, it’s a sign of a bigger drainage problem. But don’t worry, this isn’t an unusual case in Seattle.
Extra Storm-Prep Tips Seattle Homeowners Ask About
Here are a few additional questions we hear often:
Should I check my crawl space or basement?
Yes. These areas are usually the first inside the house to show water intrusion. Look for damp soil, standing water, or visible mold. And keep your nose peeled for any unusual smells.
How often should I inspect after storms?
After any major rain event, do a quick walk-around of your home—especially gutters, downspouts, and foundation edges. Remember, there shouldn’t be any huge pools of water.
Is water damage always obvious?
Unfortunately, no. Many issues start behind walls or under floors, which is why early inspection matters. But the good news is, you’re reading this, which means you care about your home and are taking the precautionary steps to protect your home.
When To Call a Professional About Water Damage
DIY steps are a great first line of defense—but if:
- flooding has already started
- water keeps returning after storms
- you’re unsure where moisture is coming from
- Or you just need a helping hand
…getting professional guidance early can save a lot of stress (and money) later.
Safeguard Your Home From The PNW Rain
Now that you know the bigger signs of Seattle water damage and what to do about it, your home should be well protected from mother nature’s future temper tantrums. If you’re unsure what to look for, or want peace of mind before the next storm hits, asking questions early is always the smart move.
And if you have any questions that weren’t answered, send us a message.