Lynnwood was incorporated in 1959 and grew fast through the 1960s and 70s. A lot of the ramblers and split-levels from those years sit on vented crawl spaces or have daylight basements, and many still have original supply lines and water heaters in closets or garages. When those let go, the water heads for the lowest floor.
Then there is the weather. Most of the year's rain falls between October and April, and an atmospheric river can soak the ground for days. Crawl spaces fill, downspouts overflow against foundations, and the low ground along Scriber Creek, Hall Creek and Swamp Creek stays wet the longest. In February 2017, an inch of rain on top of melting snow sent Scriber Creek over its banks and flooded the paths in Scriber Lake Park.
About half the homes in Lynnwood are rented, and apartment and condo buildings line City Center, Alderwood and Highway 99. In a stacked building, one failed washer hose can soak the ceilings below it. Those calls need a crew that can coordinate with managers and HOAs as well as dry the units.
Cold snaps are less common here, but when arctic air settles in for a few days, pipes in crawl spaces, garages and exterior walls freeze. The leak shows up when they thaw. Crews cover the 98036, 98037 and 98087 ZIP codes and the communities around them.
Scriber Creek in winter, Scriber Lake ParkHouses on 167th Street SW, Lynnwood
Stay away from electricity. Keep out of water touching outlets or cords. Turn off power to wet rooms only if you can reach the panel from a dry spot.
Stop the water. Close the main shutoff. In a condo, call your manager and knock on the unit above.
Call. Get a crew on the way before you start cleaning.
Take photos. Wide shots and close-ups of every wet room before anything moves.
Move what you can. Rugs, electronics, papers and photos go to a dry room.
Where crews go
Lynnwood neighborhoods and nearby towns
City Center, Alderwood, Cedar Valley, Meadowdale, Lynndale, Scriber Lake, Highway 99, Seattle Heights, Floral Hills, Beverly Acres, Lake Serene, plus Martha Lake, Alderwood Manor and North Lynnwood.
Water Damage Lynnwood is a referral service. Your call goes to an independent water damage company that works in the Lynnwood area. That company does the work and sets its own prices.
Can someone come out at night or on a weekend?
You can call any time. Local companies keep emergency crews on call, and the person you talk with will tell you when someone can get there.
I live in a condo. Who should I call first?
Tell your HOA or building manager right away so they can shut off water to the building or stack if needed. Then call us to get drying started. The crew can share photos and readings with the HOA.
Do they work with insurance?
Most restoration companies document damage for your claim, and many bill insurance directly. Ask on the call, and have your policy number handy if you can.
Which areas do you cover?
All of Lynnwood, including City Center, Alderwood, Meadowdale, Lynndale and Cedar Valley, plus Martha Lake, Alderwood Manor, Mountlake Terrace, Brier and Mill Creek.
