A Capital Shaped by Two Rivers
Sacramento sits at about 26 feet above sea level where the American River flows into the Sacramento River. That location made it a gold rush hub, and it also made it vulnerable. On January 10, 1850, a flood devastated the young city, and levee building began in 1852.
The Great Flood of 1861-62 was the worst in Sacramento's history. Afterward, from 1862 into the mid-1870s, the city raised the level of its downtown by building reinforced brick walls along the streets and filling them with dirt. To the west, the Yolo Bypass is permanently set aside as a vast flood control basin.
Today Sacramento is often described as the second most flood-susceptible city in the United States, after New Orleans. Folsom Dam, built in 1955 on the American River, helps with flood control, and levees line the rivers. Even so, residents benefit from knowing their risk and keeping flood coverage in mind.
Recent Storms Around Sacramento County
Between December 26, 2022 and January 11, 2023, Sacramento recorded 9.58 inches of precipitation as a series of atmospheric rivers struck California. Five people died in Sacramento County during those December and January storms, and the Sacramento Zoo closed on January 10 because of storm damage.
South of the city, a levee along the Cosumnes River broke in January, flooding State Route 99 and prompting evacuations in Wilton. Those events show how fast conditions can change when storms arrive in waves.
The City's flood preparedness page collects local guidance, and residents can reach the City through 311 for service requests.
Leaks That Have Nothing to Do With the Weather
Most water damage repair in Sacramento comes from inside the building. From Land Park and Boulevard Park to Natomas and Greenhaven, every kind of house has plumbing and appliances that can fail.
- Supply lines and valves under sinks, toilets and refrigerators
- Water heaters in garages, closets and attics
- Washing machine hoses that crack with age
- Air conditioning condensate during long, hot summers
- Roof and window leaks once the November to April rainy season begins
Sacramento averages about 18.14 inches of precipitation per year, so roofs and gutters are tested every winter. If you discover water inside, call (888) 817-5061 and we will connect you with a local professional for water extraction.
Your Checklist Once Water Is Found
- Find the source and stop it using the fixture valve or main shutoff.
- Be careful with power. Keep out of water near outlets, cords or appliances, and shut off breakers only from a dry spot.
- Know which water you have. Supply-line water is Category 1 at first. River water, storm runoff and sewage are Category 3 and should be handled by professionals.
- Document it. Photos and video of the source, the water line and damaged items help with any claim.
- Protect belongings by moving them to a dry room.
- Notify the right people. Just over half of Sacramento's homes are rented, so tenants should alert the landlord in writing and owners should contact their insurer.
If flooding threatens, follow official evacuation orders and never drive into water on a roadway.
Inside the Drying and Rebuild Process
Water damage restoration in Sacramento usually moves through four stages.
Inspect and map
A restoration crew traces the moisture with meters and thermal imaging, including behind baseboards and under flooring.
Extract
Standing water comes out first. After outside floodwater, wet drywall, insulation and carpet are typically removed.
Dry and clean
Surfaces are cleaned and sanitized, then air movers and dehumidifiers run with regular readings until materials hit dry targets. See structural drying.
Restore
Drywall, flooring, cabinets and paint are replaced after the structure is confirmed dry. Read more about water damage repair. Ask any provider about its licensing, insurance and training, such as IICRC certification.
Flood Insurance in a Levee-Protected City
Levees lower the risk of flooding but cannot eliminate it. The California Department of Insurance notes that standard homeowners policies leave out flood, mudslide and debris flow. NFIP flood insurance is a separate purchase, and a new policy generally takes effect 30 days after you buy it.
- Look up your flood zone and ask your agent about NFIP or private flood options.
- Keep an inventory of belongings with photos, stored somewhere outside the house.
- Clear gutters and drains before the rainy season and fix grading problems before November.
Flood cleanup in Sacramento after river or storm water enters a home is contaminated work. Learn what is involved on our flood cleanup and storm damage cleanup pages. The state's Department of Water Resources also publishes flood management information.
Mold Removal and the State's Licensing Picture
Based on EPA guidance, mold can appear on damp materials within 24 to 48 hours. The quicker wet drywall and flooring are dried, the less likely mold removal in Sacramento becomes part of the job.
Sacramento homeowners sometimes assume mold work needs a special state credential, but an industry roundup of state requirements found that California has no license specific to mold assessment or remediation. The 2001 Toxic Mold Protection Act directed the state health department to study mold and develop standards, but no statewide licensing program for mold has been found. Any remediation that involves construction falls under Contractors State License Board rules.
For repair work, the bar is clearer: starting January 1, 2025, anyone doing a job worth $1,000 or more in combined labor and materials, or any permitted job, needs a CSLB license. Use the CSLB license check before you hire, and learn more about mold cleanup.
Offices, State Buildings and Apartment Communities
As the state capital, Sacramento has many offices, government buildings and apartment communities. A broken pipe on an upper floor can affect several suites or units, so property managers should check adjacent spaces quickly and keep moisture readings organized by unit.
Call (888) 817-5061 to be connected with a local restoration company that handles commercial and multi-family work. For property in neighboring areas, see our Roseville and Stockton pages.
Sacramento Neighborhoods and Nearby Cities
WaterQ's free referral line connects callers across Sacramento and the surrounding region with independent local restoration companies.
Neighborhoods
- Downtown
- Midtown
- Old Sacramento
- Alkali Flat
- Boulevard Park
- River Park
- Land Park
- Greenhaven
- Oak Park
- Tahoe Park
- Florin
- Del Paso Heights
- Natomas
- Robla
Nearby communities
- West Sacramento
- Elk Grove
- Rancho Cordova
- Citrus Heights
- Folsom
- Carmichael
- Arden-Arcade
- North Highlands
- Fair Oaks
- Roseville
- Davis
Sacramento Water Damage FAQ
Why is Sacramento considered so flood-prone?
The city sits at the confluence of the Sacramento and American Rivers at about 26 feet elevation and depends on levees. It is often described as the second most flood-susceptible city in the United States after New Orleans.
Why was downtown Sacramento raised after the 1860s floods?
After the Great Flood of 1861-62, the city raised its downtown from 1862 into the mid-1870s by building brick walls along the streets and filling them with dirt.
Does my homeowners policy cover flooding from a levee break?
Standard homeowners policies generally exclude flood. Coverage comes from an NFIP or private flood policy, and a new NFIP policy usually has a 30-day waiting period.
Do I need a licensed contractor for water damage repairs in Sacramento?
Since January 1, 2025, California requires a CSLB license for jobs of $1,000 or more in labor and materials or any job that needs a permit. You can check a license online with CSLB.
Is WaterQ a Sacramento restoration contractor?
No. WaterQ is a free referral service available 24/7. We connect you with an independent local restoration company, and that company performs the inspection and work.
Local emergency and flood resources
Official sources for alerts, flood maps and preparedness in and around Sacramento: