LA Rainy Season Prep: A Water Damage Checklist for Homeowners

Most of Los Angeles’ rain falls between late fall and early spring, often in a few heavy storms after a long dry summer. Roofs, gutters and drains that sat untouched for months get tested all at once. This checklist helps you find weak spots before the first big storm.

Outside the home

• Clean gutters and downspouts. Leaves and debris from summer and fall cause overflow that runs down walls and into foundations.
• Point downspouts away from the house. Use extensions or splash blocks so water drains several feet from the foundation.
• Check the roof. Look for cracked, curled or missing shingles or tiles, and damaged flashing around chimneys, vents and skylights.
• Clear yard and driveway drains. Clogged area drains are a common cause of water in garages and lower levels.
• Check grading. Soil should slope away from the house, not toward it.
• Hillside homes: look at slopes, retaining walls and drainage channels above the house and keep them clear.

Inside the home

• Look at ceilings and upper walls for old stains, which show where past leaks happened.
• Check windows and doors for worn seals and caulking.
• Inspect the attic after the first rain for damp insulation or drips.
• Know where your main water shut-off is and make sure it turns.
• Raised-foundation homes: check the crawl space for standing water or damp soil.

Before a storm

• Move valuables, documents and electronics off basement, garage and ground-floor floors.
• Take photos of your home’s condition for insurance records.
• Keep towels, a wet/dry vacuum and buckets ready.

If water gets in

1. Stay safe. Keep away from water near outlets or electrical panels.
2. Stop the source if you can (shut off water, cover a roof opening only if it is safe).
3. Take photos and video before cleanup.
4. Remove standing water and move belongings to a dry area.
5. Call a restoration company to dry walls, floors and cabinets properly. Water trapped inside materials can lead to mold if it is not dried.
6. Call your insurance company to start a claim.

How 77 Rapid Restore helps

We handle water extraction, structural drying, moisture mapping, mold prevention and repairs across the San Fernando Valley and Los Angeles. We are licensed, bonded and insured, IICRC-certified, and we bill your insurance company directly.

Open 7 days, 8 AM–5 PM. Emergency? Call (747) 281-3872.

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