Washington State Homes: Sump Pumps, Flood Risk and Wet-Season Prep

Washington's wet seasons can bring heavy rain and river flooding. This guide combines what the Washington Department of Ecology and the City of Bellevue say about flood risk and readiness, with practical questions for a sump pump supplier.

How serious is flooding in Washington?

A Department of Ecology article states that flooding causes greater costs across Washington than any other natural disaster, and that in a typical year the odds are better than 80% that ten or more flood events occur. It adds that flood frequency is expected to rise as the climate changes.

The article recounts the November 2021 atmospheric river: about five days of heavy rain and wind starting November 12, with rainfall of six inches or more in many areas, and a severe weather emergency declared for 14 counties. In Sumas, floodwaters damaged about 85% of homes, businesses and structures. In the Chehalis River basin, five of the largest recorded floods occurred in the last 30 years.

It also says that responding to a flood emergency can cost four to seven times more than preventive measures. Preparation matters.

What the City of Bellevue tells homeowners

The City of Bellevue's BeFloodReady page, which applies to Bellevue and is a useful example of local guidance elsewhere, says:

Install a sump pump if you do not have one, and if you do, test it to confirm it works before a storm.
Move valuables to higher floors if flooding is possible.
Clear leaves and debris from storm drains near your home, roof gutters and downspouts.
Inspect and clean driveways, private roadway culverts and swales. Property owners maintain these private systems.
Know where your electricity, gas and water main shutoffs are.
Turn off power at the circuit breaker for flooded areas, and use a flashlight, not candles, when reentering a home.
Keep an emergency kit ready.

Bellevue's 24-hour flooding emergency line is 425-452-7840 for Bellevue Utilities. Other cities have their own contacts. Not verified: your own city's number; look it up.

Insurance basics from the same page

Where a sump pump fits

A sump pump moves collected water from a pit, usually in a basement or crawlspace, to a discharge point. It helps with groundwater and rain seepage. It does not stop river flooding or sewer backup. The sources above do not give sizing, discharge rules or model information, so none are given here.

Questions to ask a supplier or plumber:

Where does the water come from: seepage, a high water table, drainage, or backflow?
Where will the discharge go, and is that allowed? Not verified: Washington or local rules on sump discharge; ask your city or county.
What happens during a power outage? Ask about battery backup and their limits.
How often should the pump be tested and replaced?
Who installs and services, and what is the warranty?

Help from public programs

The Ecology article describes the Community Flood Assistance and Resilience (CFAR) program, which in the Chehalis basin gives property owners no-cost technical support: site visits that can answer NFIP questions, explain river gauge readings at your property, and recommend cost-effective protection. During a flood, counties have primary responsibility and can request the Washington Conservation Corps for debris removal, pumping and sandbagging. Not verified: whether CFAR serves your area outside the Chehalis basin.

Common mistakes

Having a pump but never testing it.
Assuming a pump will cope with river flooding.
Ignoring gutters, downspouts and storm drains.
Not knowing where the shutoffs are.
Waiting for a storm to buy insurance.

What this guide does not cover

No Washington plumbing code, permit or stormwater rule was verified. Contact your city or county before changing drainage.

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General information only. Not legal, insurance or engineering advice. Have a licensed plumber and electrician confirm any installation.