Emergency repair help in Seattle, WA
Seattle emergencies follow the wet season: long stretches of rain that find every roof weakness, windstorms that bring down trees and power lines, basement and drainage problems, and the occasional freeze in homes not built for it. Know your utilities and shutoffs, take the first safety step, and call 833-877-1717 to request an independent provider.
RepairNowUSA editorial review · Last substantively reviewed October 13, 2026 · Review standards
If someone is in danger
Call 911 for fire, smoke, injuries or anyone trapped. If you smell gas, leave the building and call the gas utility or 911 from outside. Stay far from downed power lines and report them to the electric utility. Repairs come after people are safe.
Emergencies to plan for in Seattle
Roof leaks in the rainy season
Steady fall and winter rain, moss and clogged gutters push water under shingles and around chimneys, skylights and vents. Clean gutters and check the attic before the season. See roof leaking in the rain.
Windstorms, trees and outages
Windstorms topple trees onto roofs and lines and cause outages. Stay far from downed lines and report them to Seattle City Light. Do not try to cut a tree resting on a house. See wind damage recovery.
Freezes
Freezes are uncommon, which is exactly why they cause damage: pipes in crawl spaces, garages and exterior walls are often unprotected. Disconnect hoses, insulate exposed pipes and know where your main shutoff is.
Basements, drainage and earthquakes
Older homes with basements see seepage, sump problems and side sewer backups in heavy rain. Seattle is also in an earthquake zone: know how to shut off water, and shut off gas only if you smell gas or hear hissing, then leave and call Puget Sound Energy or 911.
Seattle utilities: who to call first
Utility-side problems, such as a main break in the street, a gas leak or a neighborhood outage, go to the utility. Problems on your side of the meter usually need a private provider.
- Water, sewer and drainage: Seattle Public Utilities
- Electric: Seattle City Light
- Natural gas: Puget Sound Energy
Service areas follow the property address, so check your bill if you are not sure which utility serves you.
Before you hire in Washington
Washington requires contractors to register with the Department of Labor & Industries (L&I), and plumbers and electricians are certified or licensed through L&I. Check registration and licenses before you approve work.
Ask for a written estimate, proof of insurance and how the work is priced before you approve it. Emergency steps that stop damage come first; permanent work may need a permit.
Repair help in Seattle
Step-by-step guides
How RepairNowUSA works in Seattle
Call 833-877-1717 and describe what is happening, the property type and the ZIP code. RepairNowUSA looks for a participating independent provider for that kind of work in your area and connects you if one is available. The provider confirms timing, scope and price with you and does the work. RepairNowUSA is a referral and connection service, not a contractor, and availability and response times are not guaranteed.
Seattle repair questions
Who do I call for a power outage in Seattle?
Report outages and downed lines to Seattle City Light. If only part of your home is out, check breakers and call an electrician.
Who do I call for a gas smell in Seattle?
Leave the building and call Puget Sound Energy or 911 from outside. Do not switch lights or appliances on or off.
Who is responsible for a sewer backup in Seattle?
Property owners are generally responsible for the side sewer that runs from the building to the public main. Seattle Public Utilities can help if the public main is the problem.
Can I call RepairNowUSA at night?
Yes. You can call 833-877-1717 at any time. Whether an independent provider can come out right away depends on the ZIP code, the time and provider capacity, so availability is not guaranteed.
Official Seattle resources
- Seattle Public Utilities water services
- Seattle Department of Construction & Inspections permit guidance
Official resources are linked for utility, permit and safety context. Those agencies do not endorse RepairNowUSA.