Not to depress you, but the rain is coming fast, and it will be with us a good 6-months. Water is the biggest threat to our Pacific Northwest homes, and most of that damage is preventable. Here’s what I recommend doing before Thanksgiving.
What to expect this winter
This winter is shaping up as a strong El Niño. NOAA’s outlook leans warmer than normal for the Pacific Northwest and calls precipitation an equal-chance forecast. One local forecaster says widespread regional flooding looks unlikely this winter, but that a snow or ice storm is still possible, most likely by mid-January. NOAA Releases 2026 - 2027 Winter Weather Prediction - Unofficial Networks +2
A milder outlook isn’t a reason to skip the work. Last winter was among the warmest on record in the Northwest, yet precipitation ended up near or slightly above normal because of historic back-to-back atmospheric rivers in December. A few storms are all it takes to create problems for an unprepared home. lynnwoodtimes
The checklist
Outside
Clean the gutters and downspouts. Do it after most of the leaves have fallen, and again in late winter. Clogged gutters send water down walls and into foundations.
Extend the downspouts at ground level. Aim to discharge water several feet away from the foundation, not at it. Splash blocks or extensions are cheap.
Check the roof. Look for loose, cracked or missing shingles, and clear moss away. Be careful with pressure washing since it can strip granules and shorten a roof’s life. If you’re not absolutely expert with the job, you can easily do more harm than good. If you’re not comfortable on a ladder, hire it out.
Walk the perimeter. Make sure soil slopes away from the house and that nothing is piled against siding. Check for pooling water after a rain.
Clear drains and catch basins. Leaves and debris in yard drains are a common cause of backups.
Trim trees. Cut back limbs hanging over the roof or power lines, and have an arborist look at any large tree that concerns you. Wind plus saturated soil can bring trees down.
Seal gaps. Check caulk around windows, doors and vents, and look for gaps where pipes enter the house.
Inside and under your home
8. Check the crawlspace. Look for standing water, damp insulation or a torn or missing vapor barrier. Crawlspace moisture is a frequent source of musty smells and mold.
9. Test your sump pump (if you have one). Pour in a bucket of water and make sure it kicks on and discharges properly. Check that the discharge line isn’t frozen, clogged or pointed back at the house.
10. Watch humidity levels. Aim for roughly 30% to 50%. Run bath and kitchen fans, vent your dryer outdoors, and use a dehumidifier where needed.
11. Know your main water shutoff and make sure everyone in the house does too.
12. Check attic and ceilings for stains after the first big storm.
Power and safety
13. Plan for outages. Keep flashlights, batteries, a charged power bank and water on hand. Never run a generator indoors or in a garage.
14. Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, especially before a stretch of cold, wet weather.
Insurance: check before you need it
A standard homeowner’s policy typically doesn’t cover flood damage, and flood insurance usually has a waiting period before coverage starts. Ask your insurance agent now what’s covered, what isn’t, and what your deductible is. Take photos or video of your home and belongings for your records.
If you’re buying or selling this winter
Buyers: the wet season is the best time to see how a house handles water. Look for stained ceilings, musty smells, damp crawlspaces and drainage problems, and ask about water intrusion on the seller disclosure statement (Form 17). A good inspector will check the roof, gutters, grading and crawlspace.
Sellers: fix the gutters, roof and drainage issues before you list. Buyers touring in the rain will notice them, and small problems become negotiation leverage.
The bottom line
Water is patient, so a few hours of maintenance now can save you thousands later. If you’re thinking about buying or selling and want a second set of eyes on a home’s water risks, call or text me at 206-931-8706
© 2026 Fletch Newland Real Estate – Spire One Realty – Mount Lake Terrace, WA.
General information only. For specific concerns, consult a licensed roofer, inspector, arborist or insurance agent.
Sources: NOAA Climate Prediction Center outlook as reported by Unofficial Networks; KPTV; Lynnwood Times.