Water Damage Restoration in Pittsburgh, PA
Pittsburgh by the numbers: 142 flood report days from 2016 to 2025, 106 freezing nights a year, 1 federal disaster declaration since 2016. Below: first steps, the records, Pennsylvania insurance rules and costs.
Updated November 2, 2026
First Steps for Water in a Home in Pittsburgh
- 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.
How Often Pittsburgh Floods
The 8 counties of the Pittsburgh metro area logged flooding on 142 days from 2016 to 2025 (885 NOAA reports), June most often.
At the Pittsburgh Allegheny County Airport gauge, June is the wettest month with 4.6 inches on average.
| Month | Flood report days | Normal precipitation (in) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 3 | 3.1 |
| February | 9 | 2.6 |
| March | 4 | 3.2 |
| April | 6 | 3.4 |
| May | 18 | 4.1 |
| June | 35 | 4.6 |
| July | 33 | 3.9 |
| August | 22 | 3.8 |
| September | 7 | 3.5 |
| October | 3 | 3.1 |
| November | 1 | 3 |
| December | 1 | 3 |
| County | Flood report days | Reports |
|---|---|---|
| Allegheny County | 86 | 327 |
| Westmoreland County | 59 | 173 |
| Washington County | 42 | 113 |
| Fayette County | 37 | 61 |
| Beaver County | 25 | 59 |
| Butler County | 22 | 53 |
| Lawrence County | 21 | 63 |
| Armstrong County | 17 | 36 |
Freezing Nights in Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh averages 106 nights a year at or below 32°F (Pittsburgh Allegheny County Airport station). About 36 of them drop to 20°F or colder. NOAA counted 41 winter storm, ice or extreme cold days in the 8 counties of the Pittsburgh 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 Pittsburgh
The 8 counties of the Pittsburgh metro area were named in 1 federal weather or fire declaration since 2016 (OpenFEMA).
Notable NOAA storm reports
- August 25, 2023: Tornado, EF2 (Fayette County)
- August 12, 2023: Hail, 3 inch hail (Washington County)Three inch hail reported near Claysville, PA.
- October 21, 2021: Tornado, EF2 (Washington County)A NWS damage survey confirmed that an EF-2 tornado, with winds peaking near 130 MPH, tracked through western Washington County on the evening of October 21, 2021.
- October 16, 2021: Thunderstorm wind, 92 mph gust (Butler County)Large trees snapped near the base in the vicinity of Chicora.
- June 20, 2018: Flash flood (Allegheny County)The 911 Call Center has reported that a number of roads in southern Bethel Park have been flooded and/or impassable. This roads include: Glendale Drive, Logan Road, O'Neill Drive, Dashwood Drive (vehicle was stuck in water).
Federal disaster declarations
- March 23, 2016: Severe Winter Storm And SnowstormSnowstorm, FEMA DR-4267
Pittsburgh Housing at a Glance
Census figures for the city of Pittsburgh (American Community Survey, 2020 to 2024): 161,908 housing units, a median build year of 1942, 83% built before 1980, 76% before 1970, 48% 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 Pittsburgh flood zones on FEMA's flood maps.
Restoration Cost Guide for Pittsburgh
| 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 Pittsburgh
The same 24/7 line covers the Pittsburgh metro area, including:
- Pittsburgh
- Bethel Park
- Monroeville
- Plum
- New Castle
- Murrysville
- Baldwin
Other Pennsylvania city guides
Questions
When is the first freeze in Pittsburgh?
The median first night at or below 32°F is October 28 and the median last is April 18 at the Pittsburgh Allegheny County Airport 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.