Essex County
Salem, MA water damage cleanup and restoration
Most water damage calls in Salem, MA come down to plumbing failures, roof leaks and storm water. 61% of Salem's 21,000 homes were built before 1960, and 51% before 1940, so galvanized pipe, cast-iron drains, plaster walls and older foundations are common. Restoration companies in our network serve 2 Salem ZIP codes in Essex County.
Check a Salem ZIP
Fast callback on emergency requests · 2 ZIP codes covered
Quick answer
For water, fire or smoke damage in Salem, MA, 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; 2 Salem ZIP codes are covered. With many older homes here, hidden pipe and drain leaks are common, so ask for a moisture check behind walls.
Local risks
What causes water damage in Salem
Original plumbing in older homes
61% of Salem's housing predates 1960. Pipes that old narrow with rust, joints weaken and drain lines crack, so a small drip behind plaster or under a floor can go unnoticed until stains or soft spots appear.
Multi-unit leaks
In triple-deckers and condos, one unit's leak often reaches the units below. Owners, associations and insurers each have a piece of the claim.
Plaster and lath
Plaster holds water differently from drywall and needs careful drying and, sometimes, specialized repair to match.
Seasonal risks, licensing and FEMA history across the state are on the Massachusetts page.
Census data
Salem homes by the numbers
- Homes
- 21,000
- Median year built
- 1938
- Built before 1960
- 61%
- Owner-occupied
- 51%
Among the 36 Massachusetts cities with pages on this site, Salem ranks #23 by number of homes and has older housing than 86% of them (median build year 1938). Its share of pre-1960 homes (61%) is well above the 55% 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); 45,677 residents per the 2024 population estimate.
FAQ
Salem water damage questions
Who do I call for water damage in Salem?
For water, fire or smoke damage in Salem, MA, 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; 2 Salem 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 Salem?
The median home in Salem was built in 1938. About 61% of its 21,000 homes were built before 1960 and 11% 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.
Do you cover all of Salem?
Restoration companies in our network cover 2 Salem ZIP codes. Coverage is set ZIP by ZIP, so enter yours in the ZIP checker or call to confirm a company serves your address.
Common calls
Most requested in Salem
ZIP codes covered in Salem
01970, 01971
Water damage help near Salem
- Water damage restoration in Lynn, MA4 mi
- Water damage restoration in Peabody, MA4 mi
- Water damage restoration in Beverly, MA5 mi
- Water damage restoration in Revere, MA7 mi
- Water damage restoration in Malden, MA9 mi
- Water damage restoration in Everett, MA10 mi
- Water damage restoration in Chelsea, MA10 mi
- Water damage restoration in Medford, MA12 mi
Also covered in Essex County: Lynn · Lawrence · Haverhill · Peabody · Beverly · Prides Crossing · Gloucester · Newburyport
Guides for Salem homeowners
Water damage in Salem?
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