UPDATE: Emergency sewer work at 48th/Brandon

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5:44 PM: Flaggers are on 48th SW at Brandon as Seattle Public Utilities crews work on a sewer-pipe problem. Here’s what SPU tells us:

Today, near 48th Ave SW and SW Brandon St, a sewer pipe collapsed while Seattle Public Utilities crews were removing significant debris. This is an 8” pipe, which is on the smaller side.

In response, SPU crews are:

setting up a pump and bypass system to ensure sewer service
working to find the exact location of the break
preparing for a possible emergency sewer repair

We have no additional details repair timeline. Please anticipate possible lane closures, parking restrictions, increased construction traffic and activities, and travel delays in the area.

9:18 AM THURSDAY: SPU tells us, “Crews worked overnight to repair the broken pipe and restore service to the affected homes.”

Lola April 7, 2022 (8:07 am)

I wondered what they were setting up at 5 pm last night as I came home. They were also doing work over on 49th & Hudson setting up at 5. I passed by them again as we went to Burien and they were still there working at both sites at 8:30 pm when I came home. They still had some stuff up this morning 4/7/22 so maybe finishing up?

WSB April 7, 2022 (9:26 am)

Yes, just got an update from SPU that they worked overnight and repairs are complete.

Jen P April 7, 2022 (4:55 pm)

That started in our basement. My son pointed out the growing puddle in the basement drain. Outside the garage, water was bubbling up like a fountain, pouring down the driveway. The six 24 hour plumber services I called were not able to help, so I ended up calling 911 (First lesson: Seattle water is open 24 hours). Shoutout to the 6 firemen who showed up in 5 minutes, got the drain working, and gave me at least some peace of mind (I missed their unit number). I called SPU at 6am and they had a man out in 10 minutes to assess, starting off an emergency response by SPU to find the problem. I was spared any real trouble (and had 6 firemen in my house) but my poor neighbor is dealing with the real headache; in searching for the problem, they increased it to her line. At least today’s sun/UV is sanitizing our driveways and alley. Blegh.

WSB April 7, 2022 (5:05 pm)

Sorry to hear all that. Re: 24 hours, yes, for any water or sewer trouble, 206-386-1800 – same number we’ve published for discolored-water reports for years – is the number to call.

Kristina April 7, 2022 (5:24 pm)

Just to follow up with a cautionary tale…. my neighbor ro the north had water coming from under her foundation 11 hours before I got the brunt of the sewer onslaught. We tried 5+ different emergency plumbers and NO ONE would agree to come because she is the Tenant and not the Owner. The Owners are out of the country for several years due to employment opportunities. What is wrong with people? As a last resort, my neighbor called 911. Thank you WSea FD for responding and your efforts to help. Seattle City Utilities was called and they were out by 6am the next morning. After pressurizing the blockage from both sides, the water stopped flowing. Now, here’s the fun part. That action actually broke the line and sent sewage into the lower level of the house just to the south, where I am. By 11:00am, there was a fountain emerging from my lower toilet and the clawfoot tub was full of dark brown water. I ran to move everything I could, contacted my landlord, and called the City again 😭. Needless to say, this all took until after 7pm for the water to stop flowing. We had sump pumps, sand bags, rubber boots & gloves, and a good sense of humor to get through it. Thank you to the best neighbors in WSea!!! Make sure there are property managers in place to act on your behalf if you are a landlord. Tenants aren’t all bad and we tried hard to act fast.

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