Wilmington is the neighborhood of the City of Los Angeles that wraps around the Port of Los Angeles, next door to San Pedro. It has some of the oldest and most rented housing in the Harbor Area, which makes leaks, slow repairs and mold common problems.
What’s different about Wilmington
- Older homes. About half of homes in ZIP 90744 were built before 1960, and about seven in ten before 1980. Old supply lines, cast-iron drains and roofs are frequent leak sources.
- Mostly renters. About 64% of households rent. If you rent, the landlord is usually responsible for leak and mold repairs; see who to call below.
- A Spanish-speaking community. About 77% of households speak Spanish at home. If you’d rather talk in Spanish, ask the company when you call.
- Low ground near the water. FEMA maps flood zones along the harbor and the Dominguez Channel corridor. Check your address on the FEMA Flood Map Service Center, and remember that standard homeowners policies don’t cover flood.
Housing and language figures: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2020–2024 5-year estimates (via Census Reporter), ZIP 90744.
Who to call in Wilmington
- Water main or meter leak: LADWP, 1-800-342-5397, 24/7.
- Sewer backup or overflow: LA Sanitation, 1-800-773-2489, 24/7.
- Renters in apartments (2+ units): Los Angeles Housing Department, (866) 557-7368, or the LAHD online complaint. Filing is free.
- Single-family homes and building permits: LA Department of Building and Safety (LADBS code enforcement).
Our renter’s guide to mold walks through how to ask a landlord for repairs in writing and what LAHD does after you file.
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.
Questions to ask a company
- What’s your California contractor license number? (Check it at cslb.ca.gov.)
- Will you find and fix the moisture source, or only clean the mold?
- Can I get the scope and price in writing before you start?
- Do you have someone who speaks Spanish? (Ask if it matters to you.)
Talk to a local water damage or mold company
Free referral service. Give your ZIP code (90744) so you’re matched with a company that serves Wilmington.
Sources checked October 31, 2026: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2020–2024 5-year estimates (via Census Reporter); LA City Planning; LAHD; LADBS; LADWP; LA Sanitation; LA County Public Works (Dominguez Gap barrier); FEMA.