Torrance is the largest city next to San Pedro, stretching from Torrance Beach to Old Torrance and the Del Amo area. It runs its own water utility, sewers and code enforcement, so the numbers to call are different from the City of Los Angeles neighborhoods around the harbor.
What’s different about Torrance
- A 1950s city. About 41% of homes were built before 1960 and about 82% before 1980; the 1950s alone account for about a third. Homes that age can still have original supply lines, drains and water heater connections, which are common leak sources.
- Big apartment buildings. About 23% of homes are in buildings with 20 or more units, and about 45% of households rent. In large buildings, a leak in one unit often shows up in the one below.
- Pockets of ponding. FEMA maps shallow-flooding zones in a few low spots, including areas near Madrona Avenue and Del Amo, parts of Old Torrance and the Walteria basin, plus coastal zones on Torrance Beach. On December 16, 2014, more than two inches of rain in about two hours flooded Torrance streets and homes. (CBS Los Angeles) Check your own 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 Torrance.
Who to call in Torrance
- Water leak at the main or meter: Torrance Municipal Water serves about 78% of the city: (310) 781-6900 during business hours, or Torrance Fire Dispatch at (310) 781-7042 after hours. (Torrance Water Services) If Cal Water bills you instead, call Cal Water at (310) 257-1400.
- Sewer overflow: the city maintains about 287 miles of sewer line; report overflows to Torrance Fire Dispatch, (310) 781-7042. Property owners are responsible for their own sewer lateral.
- Permits: Building & Safety Permit Center, 3031 Torrance Blvd., (310) 618-5910. (Torrance Building and Safety)
- Renters: Torrance did not adopt LA County’s housing standards, so the County can’t act on housing complaints here. Contact Torrance Code Enforcement at (310) 618-5929; the city doesn’t take anonymous complaints. (report a code enforcement issue) See our renter’s guide to mold for how to put your repair request in writing first.
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 (90501 to 90505) so you’re matched with a company that serves Torrance.
Sources checked October 31, 2026: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2020–2024 5-year estimates (via Census Reporter), City of Torrance; City of Torrance (Water Services, Sewer and Wastewater, Building and Safety, Code Enforcement); Cal Water 2025 Urban Water Management Plan; LA County Public Health; LA County Sanitation Districts; FEMA; CBS Los Angeles (December 2014).