Water damage help in Philadelphia, PA
- Areas: South Philadelphia, Fishtown, Manayunk, West Philadelphia
- 86 ZIP codes covered
- Free referral, no obligation
Homes in Philadelphia and how they leak
Brick rowhouses dominate, most built between 1870 and 1940, with stone or brick foundations, plaster walls and flat rubber or tar roofs that drain to the rear. Supply lines may still be galvanized or lead, and drains are cast iron or terra cotta. Much of the city is on combined sewers.
Local issues that cause water damage
Basement backups
Heavy rain fills the combined sewers and backs up through basement drains. See sewage backup cleanup.
River flooding
The remnants of Ida in September 2021 pushed the Schuylkill to near-record levels, flooding Manayunk and the Vine Street Expressway; Eastwick floods from Darby and Cobbs creeks.
Flat roof and party wall leaks
Ponding on flat roofs and failed flashing where rowhouses meet send water down shared walls.
Common calls in Philadelphia
Sewage backup cleanup
Toilet overflows and sewer line backups (Category 3).
Learn more →Basement flooding cleanup
Sump pump failures, seepage and storm water in basements.
Learn more →
Ceiling water damage repair
Stains, sagging drywall and leaks from above.
Learn more →
Burst pipe cleanup
Frozen and failed pipes, supply lines and fittings.
Learn more →Also available: emergency water damage steps and all water damage services.
Philadelphia at a glance
- State
- Pennsylvania
- County or area
- Philadelphia County
- Neighborhoods
- South Philadelphia, Fishtown, Manayunk, West Philadelphia, the Northeast
- ZIP codes covered
- 86 ZIP codes. Use the ZIP checker below to confirm yours.
- Who does the work
- Independent local restoration companies
Questions from Philadelphia homeowners
Water is coming through the party wall. Whose problem is it?
Find the source first. If it is your neighbor's roof or plumbing, their insurer may be responsible, but your own policy pays for your repairs first in most cases. Document it and tell both.
Can old plaster be saved after a leak?
Often. Plaster dries slowly but well if it is still attached to the lath. Sagging or crumbling sections are replaced.
Other cities we cover
See how Pennsylvania's weather, housing and rules affect water damage on the Pennsylvania page.
Water damage in Philadelphia?
Call and we'll connect you with an independent restoration company that serves your ZIP code. Free, no obligation.