Philadelphia County
Philadelphia water damage cleanup and restoration
Philadelphia has more rowhouses than almost any American city, and that shapes its water damage. Shared party walls mean a leak next door can become your leak, old cast-iron drain stacks and galvanized supply lines fail with age, and heavy summer storms push water through basement walls and up floor drains in neighborhoods served by the city's older combined sewer system.
First hour in Philadelphia
- 1Shut off the water at the main or the fixture.
- 2Turn off power to wet rooms if you can reach the panel safely.
- 3Photograph the damage, especially anything tied to flat roof leaks.
- 4Call us so extraction and drying can start the same day.
Fast callback on emergency requests · 86 Philadelphia ZIP codes covered
Quick answer
For water, fire or smoke damage in Philadelphia, PA, stop the source if it's safe, then call (833) 462-1975. We connect you with an independent restoration company that serves your ZIP; 86 Philadelphia ZIP codes are covered. The most common local causes are flat roof leaks, basement seepage and backups and party-wall leaks.
Why it happens here
The 3 most common water problems in Philadelphia
- 1
Flat roof leaks
Rowhouse roofs are flat or nearly flat. Worn coatings, clogged scuppers and failed flashing at the party wall let water into the top floor, often across more than one house.
- 2
Basement seepage and backups
Old stone foundations take on groundwater after long rain, and intense storms can back up floor drains where storm and sewer flow share the same pipes.
- 3
Party-wall leaks
A burst pipe or failed toilet in the house next door can soak through a shared wall. Owners and insurers on both sides are usually involved.
Philadelphia homes and plumbing
Much of the housing in South, North and West Philadelphia dates from the late 1800s to the 1950s: brick rowhouses with stone or brick foundations, flat roofs and basements. Flat rowhouse roofs depend on intact coatings and clear drains, and many basements have been finished over walls that were never waterproofed.
Common calls
Most requested in Philadelphia
Also available: emergency water removal and every water and fire damage service.
FAQ
Philadelphia questions
Who do I call for water damage in Philadelphia?
For water, fire or smoke damage in Philadelphia, PA, stop the source if it's safe, then call (833) 462-1975. We connect you with an independent restoration company that serves your ZIP; 86 Philadelphia ZIP codes are covered. The most common local causes are flat roof leaks, basement seepage and backups and party-wall leaks.
Who is responsible when my neighbor's leak damages my Philadelphia rowhouse?
It depends on the cause and both insurance policies. Document the damage, tell your neighbor in writing and call your insurer; they'll often coordinate with the neighbor's carrier. Get drying started regardless, since waiting makes the damage worse.
Do repairs need a permit in Philadelphia?
Many structural, plumbing and electrical repairs need permits from the Philadelphia Department of Licenses and Inspections, and contractors working on homes must hold a city contractor license. Ask before walls are closed.
Philadelphia at a glance
- County
- Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania
- ZIP codes covered
- 19019, 19092, 19093, 19101, 19102, 19103, 19104, 19105, 19106, 19107, 19108, 19109, 19110, 19111, 19112, 19113, 19114, 19115, 19116, 19118, 19119, 19120, 19121, 19122, 19123, 19124, 19125, 19126, 19127, 19128, 19129, 19130, 19131, 19132, 19133, 19134, 19135, 19136, 19137, 19138, 19139, 19140, 19141, 19142, 19143, 19144, 19145, 19146, 19147, 19148, 19149, 19150, 19151, 19152, 19153, 19154, 19155, 19160, 19161, 19162, 19170, 19171, 19172, 19173, 19175, 19176, 19177, 19178, 19179, 19181, 19182, 19183, 19184, 19185, 19187, 19188, 19190, 19191, 19192, 19193, 19194, 19195, 19196, 19197, 19244, 19255
- Main local risks
- Flat roof leaks, Basement seepage and backups, Party-wall leaks
- Licensing
- See the Pennsylvania page for the licensing board to check
Guides
Water damage help near Philadelphia
- Water damage restoration in Bryn Mawr, PA10 mi
- Water damage restoration in Norristown, PA13 mi
- Water damage restoration in Chester, PA17 mi
- Water damage restoration in Richboro, PA17 mi
- Water damage restoration in Levittown, PA18 mi
- Water damage restoration in Sicklerville, NJ20 mi
- Water damage restoration in Trenton, NJ25 mi
- Water damage restoration in Wilmington, DE28 mi
- Water damage restoration in Vineland, NJ38 mi
- Water damage restoration in Allentown, PA44 mi
Also covered in Philadelphia County
See the state page for nearby coverage.
Water damage in Philadelphia?
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