Flooding can be financially and emotionally devastating, especially when it affects your home or business in the Greater Seattle area. One of the most common questions we hear at Eco Water Restoration is whether a standard homeowners insurance policy will cover the cost of flood damage restoration. The short answer is usually no, but there are ways to get protected.

The Difference Between Water Damage and Flood Damage

It’s important to understand how insurance companies define flood damage versus water damage. Most standard homeowners insurance policies do cover water damage that results from sudden and accidental events, like:

A burst pipe
A broken water heater
A leaking dishwasher

However, flood damage is defined differently. According to FEMA, a flood is “an excess of water on land that is normally dry, affecting two or more properties.” That includes:

Rising groundwater
Overflowing rivers or streams
Heavy rain pooling around your foundation
Storm surge or flash floods

This distinction is critical because standard policies typically exclude these types of events.

📞 If your home or business has suffered flood damage, call Eco Water Restoration at (253) 204-3646 for expert guidance.

What Is Covered by Homeowners Insurance?

Your standard policy usually covers water damage that originates from within your home. That may include:

Sudden plumbing failures
Accidental appliance malfunctions
Rainwater entering through a damaged roof (if the roof was in good condition before)

But it does not cover damage from water that comes in from outside, such as:

Floodwater from heavy rain
Rivers or streams overflowing
Groundwater seepage

If the water comes from the ground up or outside in, it’s likely not covered.

To Get Flood Coverage, You Need a Separate Policy

To protect your property from flooding, you’ll need a separate flood insurance policy. These are available through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or from private insurers.

Flood insurance can cover:

Structural damage to your home or building
Electrical and plumbing systems
HVAC units and water heaters
Appliances
Personal belongings

Note that coverage limits and exclusions apply, and flood insurance often has a 30-day waiting period before it goes into effect. So if a major storm is in the forecast, it may already be too late to buy coverage.

📧 Have questions? Email us at info@eco-wr.com or contact us here for help reviewing your options.

Why Flood Insurance Is Essential in the Seattle Area

In the Greater Seattle area — including Bellevue, Tacoma, and surrounding communities — heavy rainfall, clogged storm drains, and saturated soil can easily lead to flooding. Even if you’re not in a federally designated flood zone, your home may still be vulnerable.

Consider this:

Just 1 inch of water in your home can cause over $25,000 in damage
Many areas flood due to poor drainage, not rivers or lakes
Only 15% of homeowners nationwide carry flood insurance

If you live in King, Pierce, or Snohomish County, flood insurance isn’t just a good idea — it could be a financial lifesaver.

What to Do If You Experience Flood Damage

If floodwater has entered your home or business:

Stay out of the water. It may be contaminated.
Do not call your insurance yet. First, contact us so we can assess the situation and help you properly document the damage.
Call Eco Water Restoration at (253) 204-3646. We respond 24/7, typically within 60 to 90 minutes.
Take photos from a safe distance. Don’t touch anything until it’s safe.
Let us guide you. We work directly with insurance companies to advocate for your claim and maximize coverage.

We Help You Navigate Insurance, Start to Finish

At Eco Water Restoration, we know the ins and outs of working with insurance adjusters. We:

Document the loss with detailed reports and photos
Help you understand what’s covered
Ensure proper billing and communication
Work directly with your insurer so you don’t have to

We’ve helped over 1,000 customers across the Greater Seattle area through stressful water and flood damage claims — and we’re here for you, too.

📞 Call us at (253) 204-3646, email info@eco-wr.com, or visit our contact page to get started.

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Ezechiel Nistrian

Co-owner at Eco Water Restoration

Ezechiel "Zeke" Nistrian is a committed entrepreneur who has built a reputation for delivering exceptional service and outstanding quality through his leadership at Eco Water Restoration.

Specializing in water, flood, storm, and mold damage restoration, Eco Water Restoration is known for its quick and comprehensive service. The company excels at helping customers navigate the insurance claims process and works tirelessly to restore homes to their original state, making it appear as though the damage never occurred.

Zeke places customer satisfaction at the center of everything he does. His hands-on approach and dedication to providing excellent service are frequently mentioned in glowing reviews, where clients praise his attention to detail and commitment to quality. For Zeke, true fulfillment comes from knowing that he has helped clients restore and enhance their homes, providing peace of mind during stressful times.

If you are in need of reliable restoration services, Zeke Nistrian and Eco Water Restoration are the perfect choice. With a focus on customer care and superior quality, Zeke and his team are ready to deliver the best service and guide you through the process with professionalism and expertise.

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