From the team
The PSPS Blog
Guides, project notes, and practical advice on caring for property across the Puget Sound region.
How to Test Your Sump Pump Before the Wet Season
A sump pump that hasn't run since spring won't announce that it's failed — it'll just stay silent during the storm that needed it. Here's the ten-minute test that tells you now, while there's still time to fix it.
Read moreWinterizing Outdoor Faucets and Hose Bibs: A 15-Minute Job That Prevents a Burst Pipe
A hose bib left unprotected through a Puget Sound cold snap can freeze, split, and flood a wall once it thaws. Here's the simple, step-by-step way to winterize outdoor faucets before that happens.
Read moreRoof Moss in the PNW: What It Actually Damages and When to Treat It
Roof moss looks alarming, but the damage story is more specific than most homeowners assume. Here's what moss actually does to a roof, what it doesn't, and how to know if roof moss removal in Bellevue and the rest of the Eastside is urgent or optional.
Read moreGutter Cleaning Before the Rains: Why September Beats November
Waiting until the fall rains hit to clean your gutters means doing the job in the worst possible conditions. Here's why September is the better window for Seattle-area homeowners — and what happens if you wait.
Read moreRepair or Replace? A Budgeting Framework for Aging Building Systems
Water heaters, roofs, HVAC units, and plumbing lines all wear out — the question is never if, but when to stop repairing and start budgeting for replacement. Here's how to make that call with numbers instead of guesswork.
Read more5 Warning Signs Your Rental Property's Plumbing Needs Attention Now
Slow drains, water bill spikes, and old fixtures don't fix themselves. Here's how property managers can spot plumbing problems before they turn into emergency calls and unhappy tenants.
Read more7 Signs Your Rental Property Needs Preventive Plumbing Work
Most plumbing failures don't come out of nowhere — they leave warnings first. Here's what property managers should watch for before a slow drip becomes an emergency call and a damaged unit.
Read moreHow to Read a Contractor's Estimate (And What to Watch Out For)
A contractor's estimate tells you more than just a price — if you know how to read it. Here's what every line item means, what should always be included, and the red flags that separate trustworthy bids from ones that will cost you later.
Read moreWhat to Do in the First Hour of a Water Leak
A pipe bursts or an appliance fails — what happens in the next 60 minutes determines how bad the damage gets. Here's the exact order of operations, from shutting off the water to calling for help.
Read moreFall Home Maintenance Checklist for Pacific Northwest Homeowners
Essential fall maintenance tasks to protect your Pacific Northwest home from our wet, mild winters — from gutters to heating systems.
Read morePassing Your Section 8 Inspection: A Puget Sound Landlord's Guide
What inspectors actually check, the items that fail units most often, and how to pass on the first visit — written for landlords and property managers across King County.
Read moreWelcome to the PSPS Blog
A quick introduction to what we'll be writing about — practical property advice for owners and managers across the Puget Sound.
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