Carson sits between Wilmington, Harbor City and Long Beach, along the Dominguez Channel. Unlike most of its neighbors, it is mostly a city of homeowners, with many 1960s houses and one of the largest concentrations of mobile home parks in the South Bay.
What’s different about Carson
- Mostly homeowners. About 74% of households own their homes, so most water damage repairs here go through the owner’s insurance; see our insurance guide before you file a claim.
- 1960s housing. About 78% of homes were built before 1980, and the 1960s is the most common decade (about a third of homes).
- Mobile homes. About 8% of homes, roughly 2,300, are mobile homes, in parks covered by the city’s mobile home space rent ordinance. Roof seams, windows, water heater closets and plumbing under the floor are the usual leak points; look behind the skirting now and then.
- The Dominguez Channel. FEMA maps a narrow flood zone along the channel and a few small pockets nearby; most homes appear to be outside mapped zones. Check your address on the FEMA Flood Map Service Center.
Housing figures: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2020–2024 5-year estimates (via Census Reporter), City of Carson.
Who to call in Carson
- Water leak at the main or meter: Cal Water serves most of Carson, (310) 257-1400 (also its after-hours line). Some areas are served by Golden State Water, 1-800-999-4033, 24/7. Your water bill shows which.
- Sewer overflow: LA County Public Works, 1-800-675-4357, 24/7.
- Permits: Carson Building & Safety, City Hall, 701 E. Carson St., (310) 830-7600, Monday to Thursday. (Carson Building and Safety)
- Code enforcement: (310) 952-1786, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. (Carson Code Enforcement)
- Renters: LA County Environmental Health takes rental mold complaints for cities that use the County health code, at (888) 700-9995; ask whether they cover your address. See our renter’s guide to mold.
- Mobile home parks: the state Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) inspects parks unless a city has taken that over; ask your park manager or HCD which agency covers your park.
What to do first
- Stop the water at the fixture valve or the main shutoff, and stay away from wet outlets and cords.
- Photograph the damage before anything is moved. Insurers and landlords both ask for it.
- Start drying within 24 to 48 hours. That is the EPA’s window for keeping mold from starting.
Talk to a local water damage or mold company
Free referral service. Give your ZIP code (90745 or 90746) so you’re matched with a company that serves Carson.
Sources checked October 31, 2026: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2020–2024 5-year estimates (via Census Reporter), City of Carson; City of Carson (Building and Safety, Code Enforcement, Municipal Code mobile home space rent ordinance); Cal Water; Golden State Water; LA County Sanitation Districts; LA County Public Health; California HCD; FEMA.