Water damage repair and restoration in San Francisco, CA
Water damage in San Francisco, CA usually starts in one of a few places: a failed supply line or water heater, a roof or window leak, or water that gets into a basement or crawl space. 62% of San Francisco's 411,542 homes were built before 1960, and 45% before 1940, so galvanized pipe, cast-iron drains, plaster walls and older foundations are common. Restoration companies in our network serve 50 San Francisco ZIP codes in San Francisco County.
Quick answer
For water, fire or smoke damage in San Francisco, CA, shut off the water or power if it's safe, then call (833) 462-1975. We connect you with an independent restoration company that serves your ZIP; 50 San Francisco ZIP codes are covered. With many older homes here, hidden pipe and drain leaks are common, so ask for a moisture check behind walls.
Census data
San Francisco homes by the numbers
- Homes
- 411,542
- Median year built
- 1945
- Built before 1960
- 62%
- Owner-occupied
- 38%
Among the 213 California cities with pages on this site, San Francisco ranks #2 by number of homes and has older housing than 100% of them (median build year 1945). Its share of pre-1960 homes (62%) is well above the 24% average for those cities, which points to more pipe, drain and foundation leaks.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2019–2023 5-year estimates (tables B25034, B25035, B25003); 827,526 residents per the 2024 population estimate.
Local risks
What causes water damage in San Francisco
Aging pipes and drains
With 62% of homes built before 1960, many San Francisco houses still have galvanized supply lines that corrode from the inside and cast-iron or clay drains that crack. Leaks often start slowly inside walls or under floors.
Leaks between units
About 62% of occupied homes in San Francisco are rented, and many are apartments or condos. A leak in one unit often reaches the units below, so landlords, associations and each tenant's insurer are involved.
Atmospheric rivers
Winter storms bring heavy rain, roof leaks and flooding.
Seasonal risks, licensing and FEMA history across the state are on the California page.
Common calls
Most requested in San Francisco
Disaster history in San Francisco County
Since 2000, FEMA has included San Francisco County in 2 major disaster declarations: 1 severe storm, 1 flood. The most recent was Severe Winter Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Flooding, Landslides, and Mudslides in 2023 (DR-4699).
Source: OpenFEMA disaster declarations, retrieved October 5, 2026.
FAQ
San Francisco water damage questions
Who do I call for water damage in San Francisco?
For water, fire or smoke damage in San Francisco, CA, shut off the water or power if it's safe, then call (833) 462-1975. We connect you with an independent restoration company that serves your ZIP; 50 San Francisco ZIP codes are covered. With many older homes here, hidden pipe and drain leaks are common, so ask for a moisture check behind walls.
How old are homes in San Francisco?
The median home in San Francisco was built in 1945. About 62% of its 411,542 homes were built before 1960 and 14% in 2000 or later, according to the Census Bureau's American Community Survey. Older homes are more likely to have corroded pipes and drains; newer homes see more appliance and supply-line leaks.
Has San Francisco County had federally declared disasters?
Yes. Since 2000, FEMA has included San Francisco County in 2 major disaster declarations for storms, floods, fires and similar events, most recently Severe Winter Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Flooding, Landslides, and Mudslides (2023). Federal assistance is only available for declared events; most water damage is handled through homeowners or flood insurance.
Do you cover all of San Francisco?
Restoration companies in our network cover 50 San Francisco ZIP codes. Coverage is set ZIP by ZIP, so enter yours in the ZIP checker or call to confirm a company serves your address.
ZIP codes covered in San Francisco
94102, 94103, 94104, 94105, 94107, 94108, 94109, 94110, 94111, 94112, 94114, 94115, 94116, 94117, 94118, 94119, 94120, 94121, 94122, 94123, 94124, 94125, 94127, 94128, 94129, 94130, 94131, 94132, 94133, 94134, 94137, 94139, 94140, 94141, 94142, 94143, 94144, 94145, 94146, 94147, 94151, 94158, 94159, 94160, 94161, 94163, 94164, 94172, 94177, 94188
Local services in San Francisco
Water damage help near San Francisco
- Water damage restoration in Pacifica, CA31 mi
- Water damage restoration in San Rafael, CA34 mi
- Water damage restoration in San Bruno, CA34 mi
- Water damage restoration in South San Francisco, CA36 mi
- Water damage restoration in Novato, CA36 mi
- Water damage restoration in Burlingame, CA38 mi
- Water damage restoration in Richmond, CA40 mi
- Water damage restoration in Berkeley, CA41 mi
Guides for San Francisco homeowners
Water damage in San Francisco?
Stop the source if you can, then call. We'll connect you with a local restoration company that serves your ZIP.
Fast callback on emergency requests