Gardena borders Torrance and Harbor Gateway along the 110, about 15 minutes north of San Pedro. It is a city of older homes and renters, with its own sewer system and permit counter, water from Golden State Water and fire service from LA County.
What’s different about Gardena
- 1950s and 1960s housing. About 71% of homes were built before 1980; the 1950s is the most common decade, and the median home was built in 1964. Original supply lines, drains and water heater connections in homes that age are common leak sources.
- Mostly renters. About 51% of households rent. Renters should report leaks to the landlord in writing; see our renter’s guide to mold.
- Flood risk is mostly low. The city’s 2023 draft hazard plan says most of Gardena is in FEMA Zone X and not prone to urban flooding, with the Gardena Willows Wetlands in a 500-year flood zone and past flooding near Rowley Park in 1995. Water main breaks and sewer lift-station failures are listed among local causes. (City of Gardena hazard mitigation plan, draft 2023)
Housing figures: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2020–2024 5-year estimates, City of Gardena (via Census Reporter).
Who to call in Gardena
- Water leak at the main or meter: Golden State Water serves all of Gardena: 1-800-999-4033, 24 hours. (Golden State Water)
- Sewer problems: the city maintains its local sewer lines. Gardena Public Works, 1717 W. 162nd St., (310) 217-9568; after hours, police dispatch at (310) 323-7911. Call 911 if sewage is flowing into the street.
- Permits: Building & Safety at City Hall, 1700 W. 162nd St., (310) 217-9672, Monday to Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Friday to 4:30 p.m. Reroofs, sewer replacement, water heaters, windows and HVAC are among the over-the-counter permits. (Gardena Building & Safety)
- Renters: LA County Environmental Health inspects housing, including mold, in cities that use the County health code, at (888) 700-9995; ask whether it covers your address. (LA County Public Health) Gardena’s Rent Mediation Board, (310) 217-9503, handles rent increases over 5% in 12 months, and landlords may not cut services in retaliation.
- Free sandbags: LA County Fire Stations 158 (1650 W. 162nd St.) and 159 (2030 W. 135th St.) have bags; the Gardena City Yard (1717 W. 162nd St.) has bags and sand for residents. Call first and bring proof of residency. (LA County Public Works)
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 (90247, 90248 or 90249) so you’re matched with a company that serves Gardena. Participating companies pay us for referrals.
Sources checked October 31, 2026: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2020–2024 5-year estimates, City of Gardena (via Census Reporter); City of Gardena (Public Works, Building & Safety, Rent Mediation Board, utility providers, hazard mitigation plan draft); Golden State Water; LA County Public Health; LA County Public Works; U.S. EPA.