Atmospheric river storms
Most of the year's rain arrives in a few large winter storms. Roofs, flat decks and hillside drainage that sat dry for months get tested all at once, and leaks show up on ceilings and around windows.
California · 23 cities
Water damage restoration in California
California water damage usually comes from inside the house: aging pipes, slab leaks, water heaters and appliance lines. Winter atmospheric river storms then test roofs and drainage that sat dry for months.
23California cities covered
98ZIP codes
1,416,544homes in those ZIP codes
5regions with their own risks
Water damage and insurance in California
California homeowners policies usually cover sudden and accidental water damage but exclude flooding and long-term seepage. Flood coverage requires a separate policy. Earthquake damage, including pipes broken by shaking, is excluded unless you carry earthquake coverage.
Flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program usually has a 30-day waiting period before coverage starts, so it has to be in place before a storm, not after. See our insurance claims guide for how to document a loss.
Official help: California Department of Insurance.
Los Angeles and Orange County
In Southern California the main shutoff is often a valve where the water line enters the house, typically on an exterior wall near the front hose bib, with the city meter in a box near the curb.
Aging supply lines and slab leaks
Large parts of the region were built in the 1950s to 1970s. Original galvanized supply pipe and copper lines running through slab foundations are common sources of hidden leaks.
Earthquake-related breaks
Ground movement can crack water heaters loose from walls and break rigid pipe connections. Strapped water heaters and flexible connectors cut that risk.
Cities covered
Anaheim66% of homes built before 1980 · 7 ZIPsFullerton71% of homes built before 1980 · 4 ZIPsLakewood90% of homes built before 1980 · 3 ZIPsLong Beach79% of homes built before 1980 · 14 ZIPsPomona65% of homes built before 1980 · 3 ZIPsSanta Ana75% of homes built before 1980 · 6 ZIPsWest Covina77% of homes built before 1980 · 3 ZIPsWoodland Hills64% of homes built before 1980 · 3 ZIPs
San Diego County
San Diego-area homes usually have the main shutoff on the exterior wall near the front hose bib, with the meter in a box near the street.
Short, intense storms
San Diego gets little rain, but it can arrive all at once. The January 2024 storm brought record rainfall to the city and flooded homes in neighborhoods that rarely see standing water.
Slab leaks and aging pipe
Homes on slabs with copper lines underneath, and older homes with galvanized supply pipe, are common sources of hidden leaks that show up as warm floors, damp carpet or a rising water bill.
Coastal moisture
Near the coast, marine air keeps humidity up, so wet materials dry more slowly and mold can start sooner if drying is put off.
Cities covered
Carlsbad30% of homes built before 1980 · 4 ZIPsChula Vista42% of homes built before 1980 · 5 ZIPsEl Cajon58% of homes built before 1980 · 3 ZIPsEscondido48% of homes built before 1980 · 4 ZIPsLa Jolla66% of homes built before 1980 · 3 ZIPsOceanside36% of homes built before 1980 · 4 ZIPsSan Marcos29% of homes built before 1980 · 3 ZIPs
The Inland Empire
Inland Empire tract homes usually have the main shutoff on the exterior wall near the front hose bib or in the garage, with the meter box near the curb.
Heavy rain after long dry spells
Winter storms can bring a season's worth of rain in days. Water runs off hard, dry ground and slopes, collects against foundations and finds its way under doors and into garages.
Supply lines, water heaters and appliances
Many neighborhoods were built from the 1990s onward. In newer homes, sudden leaks most often come from washing machine hoses, water heater failures, toilet supply lines and fittings rather than corroded pipe.
Hidden leaks dry on the surface, not inside
Dry heat can make a wet patch disappear from view while the drywall, insulation and framing behind it stay wet, which is why moisture meters matter here.
Cities covered
The Sacramento area
Most homes have the main shutoff on an exterior wall or in the garage, with the meter in a box near the curb.
River flooding and levees
The region sits where the Sacramento, American and Cosumnes rivers meet the valley floor. Atmospheric river storms in winter 2023 broke levees along the Cosumnes south of Sacramento.
Leaks in newer homes
Most homes here were built from the 1980s on. Leaks usually start at supply lines, water heaters, washing machine hoses and fittings rather than old corroded pipe.
Evaporative coolers and AC condensate
Overflowing condensate pans and leaking cooler lines are a common summer source of ceiling and wall damage.
Cities covered
Ventura County
Most homes have the main shutoff on an exterior wall near the front hose bib, with the meter box near the street.
River and creek flooding
Winter storms swell the Ventura and Santa Clara rivers and the barrancas that feed them. Homes near drainage channels and low streets take water first.
Aging supply lines
Many homes were built before 1980, when galvanized steel and older copper fittings were standard. Pinhole leaks and corroded joints are common in those houses.
Marine layer humidity
Coastal humidity slows drying, so wet carpet pad, drywall and cabinets need active drying rather than open windows.
Cities covered
Water damage in California: common questions
Does California homeowners insurance cover flood damage?
No. Standard homeowners policies exclude flooding from outside water. Flood coverage comes from a separate policy through the NFIP or a private flood insurer.
What causes the most water damage in California homes?
California water damage usually comes from inside the house: aging pipes, slab leaks, water heaters and appliance lines. Winter atmospheric river storms then test roofs and drainage that sat dry for months.
Do you cover my city in California?
We currently connect callers in 23 California cities: Anaheim, Carlsbad, Chula Vista, Corona, El Cajon, Elk Grove, Escondido, Fullerton, Hemet, La Jolla, Lakewood, Long Beach, Menifee, Oceanside, Oxnard, Pomona, Rancho Cucamonga, San Marcos, Santa Ana, Temecula, Ventura, West Covina, Woodland Hills. Each city page lists the ZIP codes covered.
Water damage somewhere in California?
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