Water damage cleanup in Altadena, 3 miles from Pasadena

Altadena up close

Altadena sits 3 miles from Pasadena, within the Pasadena area, and its houses are older still. Census figures show 62% of homes were built before 1950 and 89% before 1980, against 24% and 71% across Los Angeles County. Most are owner-occupied, with 22% rented and only 4% in buildings of 5 or more units, so a leak here is usually the owner's to handle. In homes that old, galvanized supply lines, cast iron drains and clay sewer lines are common, which means burst pipes, slow hidden leaks and backups that need sewage cleanup.

Storm water is the other risk. Altadena averages 7 days a year with an inch of rain or more, against 4 for the county. FEMA's National Risk Index puts its yearly inland flood loss at 167 per $100,000 of building value. Water that runs off higher ground and under doors is a flood under standard policies. Only 0.5% of county homes carry federal flood insurance, so check your cover before the rainy months.

Before the crew arrives in Altadena

In Altadena, 62% of homes were built before 1950, so the shutoff that stops a leak is often an old gate valve in a box by the street or under the house. Turn it slowly, and if it will not close, shut the valve behind the leaking toilet, sink or water heater. Next, switch off the breakers for any wet room, because older wiring and standing water are a bad pair. Take photos of the source and the wet floors, walls and belongings, then carry rugs, books and electronics to a dry room. On one of the town's 7 heavy-rain days a year, towels or sandbags at the door slow storm water until flood damage restoration can start. Once the room is safe, ring the line about water removal, which is answered 24/7, nights and weekends included.