Water Damage Restoration in Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia by the numbers: 122 flood report days from 2016 to 2025, 62 freezing nights a year, 2 federal disaster declarations since 2016. Below: first steps, the records, Pennsylvania insurance rules and costs.
Updated October 31, 2026
First Steps for Water in a Home in Philadelphia
- Burst pipe: shut the main water valve, then open the lowest faucet to drain the lines (burst pipe steps).
- Stay clear of wet outlets and cords.
- Photograph the damage, then call your insurer.
Philadelphia Flood Record
NOAA has 614 flood and flash flood reports for the 5 Pennsylvania counties of the Philadelphia metro area from 2016 to 2025, on 122 separate days; July had the most.
At the Philadelphia Franklin Institute gauge, August is the wettest month with 5 inches on average.
Hurricanes, tropical storms or storm surge added 1 report day.
| Month | Flood report days | Normal precipitation (in) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 4 | 3.6 |
| February | 3 | 3.3 |
| March | 2 | 4.5 |
| April | 3 | 4 |
| May | 11 | 4.1 |
| June | 17 | 4.8 |
| July | 35 | 4.8 |
| August | 23 | 5 |
| September | 11 | 4.9 |
| October | 5 | 4.2 |
| November | 4 | 3.4 |
| December | 4 | 4.3 |
| County | Flood report days | Reports |
|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia County | 64 | 116 |
| Bucks County | 52 | 89 |
| Delaware County | 52 | 125 |
| Montgomery County | 49 | 120 |
| Chester County | 48 | 164 |
Freezing Nights in Philadelphia
Philadelphia averages 62 nights a year at or below 32°F (Philadelphia Franklin Institute station). About 13 of them drop to 20°F or colder. NOAA counted 29 winter storm, ice or extreme cold days in the 5 Pennsylvania counties of the Philadelphia metro area from 2016 to 2025.
Unheated crawl spaces, attics and garages freeze first (Red Cross); keep the heat at 55°F or more (IBHS).
Storms and Disasters in Philadelphia
The 5 Pennsylvania counties of the Philadelphia metro area were named in 2 federal weather or fire declarations since 2016 (OpenFEMA).
Notable NOAA storm reports
- September 1, 2021: Flash flood (Philadelphia County)Widespread flash flooding occurred in Philadelphia with many roadways closed.
- September 1, 2021: Tornado, EF2 (Montgomery County)A semi-discrete supercell thunderstorm began to exhibit rotation over Delaware County, PA around 5:15 PM on September 1.
- July 29, 2021: Tornado, EF3 (Bucks County)The tornado which began in Philadelphia County crossed into Bucks County, where it would produce the majority of its impacts.
- August 4, 2020: Tropical storm (Bucks County)Numerous reports of downed trees and wires were received in Lower Bucks, including locally enhanced damage near Doylestown due to a tornado.
- May 29, 2019: Hail, 2 inch hail (Bucks County)Approximately 10 minutes of hailfall. Primarily quarter to half dollar sized with a few two inch hailstones.
Federal disaster declarations
- September 10, 2021: Remnants Of Hurricane IdaHurricane, FEMA DR-4618
- March 23, 2016: Severe Winter Storm And SnowstormSnowstorm, FEMA DR-4267
Philadelphia Housing at a Glance
Census figures for the city of Philadelphia (American Community Survey, 2020 to 2024): 748,270 housing units, a median build year of 1949, 83% built before 1980, 76% before 1970, 52% owner occupied.
Pennsylvania Insurance Rules for Water Claims
Pennsylvania insurers must acknowledge a claim notice within 10 working days unless they pay in that time (31 Pa. Code 146.5).
Claim problems in Pennsylvania go to the Pennsylvania Insurance Department.
Flood damage needs a separate flood policy, which typically starts 30 days after purchase (FloodSmart). Look up Philadelphia flood zones on FEMA's flood maps.
Restoration Cost Guide for Philadelphia
| Typical range (national) | Cost |
|---|---|
| Most jobs | $1,305 to $5,707 |
| Sewage, per sq ft | $7 to $7.50 |
| Average insurer payout, water or freeze claim | $15,400 |
Sources: Bob Vila, May 2023; III, 2019 to 2023.
Areas Served Around Philadelphia
The same 24/7 line covers the Philadelphia metro area, including:
- Philadelphia
- Norristown
- Chester
- Pottstown
- West Chester
- Phoenixville
- Lansdale
Other Pennsylvania city guides
Questions
When is the first freeze in Philadelphia?
The median first night at or below 32°F is November 17 and the median last is March 30 at the Philadelphia Franklin Institute station (NOAA normals, 1991 to 2020).
How fast does mold start?
Dry wet materials within 24 to 48 hours (EPA).
Sources: NOAA Storm Events, NOAA normals, OpenFEMA, Census ACS, 31 Pa. Code 146.5, EPA mold guide.