South Pasadena water damage restoration, near Alhambra

What South Pasadena homeowners deal with

South Pasadena sits near Alhambra and is served with the Pasadena area. Census figures show 86% of its homes were built before 1980 and 44% before 1950, both well above the Los Angeles County shares of 71% and 24%. In older houses and apartment buildings, galvanized lines, cast iron drains and plaster walls are common, and water can travel inside walls before it shows.

With 56% of homes rented and 35% in buildings of 5 or more units, a leak often involves a landlord, a tenant and the unit below. Tenants should report water in writing, and the restoration crew will take readings in each affected unit.

Rain brings the outside risk. NOAA climate normals count 7 days a year with an inch of rain or more, against 4 for the county, and FEMA's National Risk Index estimates yearly inland flood loss at 140 per $100,000 of building value. Water that comes through a foundation or under a door is outside water and is usually excluded by a homeowners policy. Wet carpet drying after a supply line failure is a different claim, and owners needing water removal in San Marino share the same old housing.

The first hour in South Pasadena

Start with the shutoff closest to the leak, then the main if water keeps coming. In South Pasadena, where 44% of homes were built before 1950, valves in older houses and apartment buildings can be stiff, so turn them by hand and gently. Renters, in 56% of homes here, should call the manager, who may need to close a building valve. Next, cut power to wet rooms at the breaker if the panel is dry. Take photos of the source, the water line on walls, the ceiling below if water went through, and each damaged item. Then move rugs, books and electronics to a dry room and raise furniture off the floor. Once that is done, call. Someone picks up 24/7.