North Hollywood water damage restoration, near Studio City

What North Hollywood homeowners deal with

FEMA's National Risk Index puts North Hollywood's yearly inland flood loss at $257 per $100,000 of building value, against $164 for Los Angeles County and $149 for California. Heavy rain is rare, about 4 days a year with an inch or more by NOAA climate normals, but on those days runoff collects in low streets, driveways and below-grade parking.

The housing is dense and largely rented. In North Hollywood, 71% of homes are rented and 58% sit in buildings with 5 or more units, by Census figures, so a leak or a flooded garage often involves a landlord, a manager and the units beside or below. With 67% of homes built before 1980, older copper and galvanized lines, water heaters and shower pans are frequent sources of water. FEMA flood insurance records show 0.5% of Los Angeles County homes insured for flood, and a renter's policy covers belongings while the owner's policy covers the building. For service, North Hollywood is part of the Burbank area, and a stain spreading across the ceiling of a lower unit calls for ceiling repair after a leak.

The first hour in North Hollywood

In a North Hollywood apartment, find the shutoff first: the valve under the sink or behind the toilet stops a single fixture, and the building main may sit in a garage or utility room the manager controls. With 58% of homes in buildings with 5 or more units, tell the manager and the neighbor below right away. If water has reached outlets, cords or a ceiling light, switch off those circuits at the breaker panel and stay out of standing water. Photograph the source, the wet floors and the ceiling before anything is moved, since those pictures support a claim on the owner's policy or your renter's policy. Lift rugs, electronics and papers onto dry surfaces, since soaked carpet may need water removal from carpet. Then call about water removal. The call is answered 24/7.