Torrance has 147,067 residents across 20.52 square miles at the 2020 Census. Water damage here looks different from one neighborhood to the next, and so does the agency you call first.
Our crews dispatch from Harbor City, which borders Torrance, and carry licensed and insured status. The 24/7 dispatch line covers the whole city, and the sections below start with neighborhoods before moving to utilities, sewers and storm flooding.
Old Torrance, Hollywood Riviera and Walteria
These three names come up most when callers describe where they live. We treat each address on its own evidence instead of guessing at construction, because we have no verified housing age data for the city.
Old Torrance
This is the original downtown of the city. When we visit a home or small building near it, we test wall and floor materials with moisture meters before deciding what can stay and what comes out.
Hollywood Riviera
A named Torrance neighborhood, and the city also holds Torrance Beach and RAT Beach. Wherever you are, a roof or window leak after wet weather is something we trace with thermal imaging before opening walls.
Walteria
Another distinct Torrance neighborhood. Whichever one you live in, your water provider may differ from your neighbor's, which the next sections explain.
When water is spreading in Torrance
At 20.52 square miles, the city cannot be reached by one number for every problem. Work through the four moves below, then phone us.
Stop what feeds it
Close the fixture valve or the main at your house. If the leak is a main line outside, report it to your provider, since Torrance has more than one.
Dry power first
Leave breakers alone if you would wade to reach them. A dry, reachable panel can be switched off for wet circuits, and anything near standing water waits for an electrician or the utility.
Clear a path
Pull rugs, boxes and furniture off wet floors and prop up upholstered pieces on foil or blocks. Open space lets extraction units work without moving your belongings twice.
Avoid dirty water, then dial
Do not wade through water from a toilet, drain or outdoor overflow. Call (424) 550-5662, our 24/7 dispatch, and we will plan around what you describe.
Which provider serves your address
Torrance Municipal Water serves about 78 percent of the city, roughly 105,000 customers on 26,500 connections. The rest of the city is covered by other providers. Cal Water says its Dominguez system and its Hermosa-Redondo system each serve portions of Torrance, so confirm your provider before you report a leak.
| Provider | What the sources say | Call |
|---|---|---|
| Torrance Municipal Water | City-run, about 78 percent of Torrance | Public Works, 310-781-6900, or Customer Service Center, 855-354-5623 |
| After-hours main break | City-run service | Torrance Fire Dispatch, 310-781-7042 |
| Cal Water Dominguez system | Serves portions of Torrance | Use the number on your Cal Water bill |
| Cal Water Hermosa-Redondo system | Serves portions of Torrance | Use the number on your Cal Water bill |
Your water bill names the provider. Put it next to your phone, because a leak at the street is theirs to shut off and a leak inside the house is yours.
Sewer backups: 287 miles of city lines
The city maintains 287 miles of sewer lines and 9 lift stations. Report a backup through the city's online service request or Public Works at 310-781-6900. The city page lists no separate after-hours sewer number.
A sewage backup is a Category 3 loss. Stay out of the room, and do not run drains. Once the line is cleared, our water damage cleanup crews remove porous materials and disinfect what remains, following ANSI/IICRC S500 practice.
Electrical and gas safety
If water has reached outlets, an electrical panel or a gas appliance, stay out. If anything smells like gas or hums, that call goes to 911 or the utility, not to us.
Call (424) 550-5662 and describe what you see. We will help you sort out whether it is a provider, sewer or in-house issue, and plan the drying.
Street flooding, sandbags and the city yard
The city lists localized street and intersection flooding as a possible storm impact. For non-emergency flooding or drainage, call Public Works at 310-781-6900. Sandbags are self-fill at the City Yard and at any city fire station, so you can prepare a garage door or low entry before rain.
We do not state flood zones, so use the FEMA flood map to see your own. Standard homeowners insurance does not cover flood, so ask about separate coverage. Our flood damage restoration page describes what drying looks like after storm water.
A quick map of what you see and what it needs
| What you see | Likely meaning | Where to start |
|---|---|---|
| Wet baseboard, soft drywall near a bath | Slow supply or drain leak | Water mitigation, then repair |
| Standing water across a floor | Burst line or overflow | Emergency water removal |
| Musty smell after drying | Moisture persisted behind a surface | Mold remediation assessment |
| Finished drywall and flooring ready to replace | Drying done | Water damage repair |
Estimates, costs and permits
Every estimate begins with a visit. A technician reads moisture levels, shoots thermal photos and measures the wet area, then we walk you through scope and price before anything begins. We aim for same-day visits when the schedule allows, and we never name an arrival time.
Torrance Building and Safety is at 3031 Torrance Blvd., phone (310) 618-5910. Ask whether your repair needs a permit before you rebuild.
| Cost factor | How it changes the scope |
|---|---|
| Water category (1, 2 or 3) | Category 3 water means cutting out porous material that clean water would not |
| Affected area | A single bathroom and a whole first floor call for very different equipment counts |
| Materials involved | Hardwood needs mat systems, carpet may lift, drywall and insulation may be cut |
| Drying days and equipment | Every extra day of air movers and dehumidifiers is an added line |
| Rebuild scope | Paint, trim and flooring replacement is a separate phase from drying |
Burst pipes and appliance failures are the kind of sudden event many policies address, while long-term seepage is commonly excluded. Read your policy or ask your insurer, and keep every photo. Want your real number? Call (424) 550-5662.
Torrance details that change the job
Torrance was incorporated in 1921, and the Census puts 55.0 percent of homes as owner-occupied, so roughly 45 percent are rentals. Renters should report damage to the landlord at once. City Hall is at 3031 Torrance Blvd., which is also in ZIP 90503.
Madrona Marsh Wildlife Preserve and Zamperini Field are easy landmarks for giving directions. For neighbors, see Lomita and Carson, each of which has different utility rules.
Sources: City of Torrance, Torrance Municipal Water, Cal Water, U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts, ZIP code databases.
Frequently asked questions
Is emergency water removal available in Torrance?
Yes, the line at (424) 550-5662 is staffed through nights, weekends and holidays. Tell the dispatcher where the water came from and how far it has gone. We try for same-day service where schedules allow but never quote an arrival time.
Do you cover every ZIP code in Torrance?
We serve the six street-delivery ZIP codes, 90501, 90502, 90503, 90504, 90505 and 90506. ZIP 90503 holds City Hall at 3031 Torrance Blvd., and 90506 has no listed population. If your mail says Redondo Beach but you live in western Torrance, which uses ZIP 90277, tell us your address and we will confirm.
Does the city or Cal Water provide my water?
Torrance Municipal Water serves about 78 percent of the city, and Cal Water covers portions through its Dominguez and Hermosa-Redondo systems. Your bill names the provider, so check it before you report a main leak.
Who do I call for a sewer backup in Torrance?
Report it through the city's online service request or to Public Works at 310-781-6900. The city maintains the sewer lines, so a backup in the main is theirs to clear. Stay out of the affected area until it is.
Where do I get sandbags in Torrance?
The city says sandbags are available at the City Yard and at any city fire station. They are self-fill, so bring a shovel and gloves.