Built in the 1940s and 1950s, plumbed for decades
Census survey figures from 2007 to 2009 show that about 46 percent of Bell Gardens homes were built before 1960. Roughly 6.7 percent date from 1939 or earlier, 17.5 percent from the 1940s and 21.5 percent from the 1950s. Another 16.4 percent came in the 1960s.
Over several decades, a home collects repairs and partial replacements. That makes a plumber's first step a look at what is actually in place, not an assumption.
If your home is in that older group, a small leak or slow drain deserves attention earlier than it would in newer construction. Ask the plumber what condition the visible pipes are in before you decide on any bigger work.
Bell Gardens at a glance
These points shape how we approach plumbing calls in the city.
Around the clock dispatch
Our emergency line is staffed around the clock, so a call at 3 in the morning reaches the same dispatch as one at noon.
Mostly rented homes
About 73 percent of units are renter occupied. Tenants should report problems to the owner in writing and keep photos.
Small multi-unit buildings
Survey figures show 63.1 percent detached houses, 13.1 percent attached and 9.1 percent buildings of 3 to 4 units.
Two water systems
Part of the city is served by the city itself and part by Golden State Water. Your bill shows which applies.
Housing type and the plumbing call it tends to bring
The building shapes the problem. Use this table to see which service fits your situation.
| Where you live | Common plumbing question | Service that fits |
|---|---|---|
| Older detached house | Rust-colored water or a failing water heater | Water heater repair or a leak check |
| Attached home or duplex | Shared drain backs up into the lower unit | Drain cleaning |
| Building of 3 or 4 units | Water stains on a ceiling from the unit above | Leak detection |
| Rental home | Who authorizes and pays for the repair | Tell the owner first, then call |
| Shop or restaurant space | Floor drain overflow or after-hours leak | Emergency plumbing visit |
Two water systems in one small city
Bell Gardens covers about 2.46 square miles but runs on two systems. The city owns the northern third, and Liberty Utilities handles operations at 800-727-5987. Golden State Water serves the other two thirds at 800-999-4033.
Hardness numbers apply only to the Golden State part. That supply, shared with Bell, ranged from 137 to 280 mg/L in the 2026 report covering 2025, averaging 210 mg/L or 12 grains per gallon. The USGS calls anything over 180 very hard, so heaters and faucets in that area collect scale faster.
If your bill comes from the city system, ask Liberty Utilities for hardness information. The city also keeps its lead service line inventory at the Public Works yard on Garfield Ave, so ask there if you want to know about your line.
If you have a burst pipe or active leak
Before we arrive, take these steps. They limit damage and give the plumber a clear picture.
Shut off the water
Close the valve nearest the leak. If you cannot find it or it will not turn, close the main for the home.
Turn off the water heater
Switch off power to an electric heater or set a gas heater to pilot or off. This protects the unit if the tank drains.
Protect belongings
Move furniture and electronics out of the wet area and lay towels where water is spreading.
Document the damage
Photograph the source and wet surfaces. Send them to your landlord or insurer.
Water in the wrong place in Bell Gardens?
Call (855) 575-2890. Our emergency line is open every hour of every day.
Gage Ave, Garfield Ave and the commercial side
Bell Gardens is home to Casa de Rancho San Antonio at 7000 Gage Ave, a State Historical Monument, as well as the Bicycle Hotel & Casino. The city also has 8 parks and one golf course. Parks, a golf course and commercial properties use far more water than a house, so a hidden leak on a service line can run a long time before a bill shows it.
If you manage a business, a shop or a multi-tenant building, our commercial plumbing service covers after-hours leaks and drain overflows. Property owners with irrigation should ask about a meter test, which the EPA describes as reading the meter, using no water for two hours and reading it again.
Permits and checking a plumber
Replacing a water heater or changing piping may need a permit. Permit rules vary, so ask the Bell Gardens building department before work starts. The California Plumbing Code is adopted statewide and based on the UPC, which is the standard those local permit rules build on.
You can verify any plumber's license at cslb.ca.gov, where the License Check tool shows whether it is active and lists a plumbing classification. We also cover Cudahy and Maywood, and the same licensed dispatch handles those calls.
Bell Gardens on the map
Bell Gardens plumbing questions
Yes. The emergency line answers 24/7, including nights, weekends and holidays. Same-day appointments are offered when available.
Close the nearest shutoff, switch off the water heater if it is involved and call.
Bell Gardens street addresses use 90201, which is also shared with Bell and Cudahy. The other city ZIP is 90202, which is a PO box ZIP, so it rarely applies to a service address.
We also serve nearby ZIPs, including 90280 for South Gate, 90255 for Huntington Park and 90040 for Commerce. If you are unsure, give us the street address on Gage Ave, Garfield Ave or wherever you are, and we will confirm.
Yes. A leaking tank or a heater that has stopped should be treated as urgent. Shut off the cold supply to the heater, turn off its power or gas and call.
Details are on our water heater repair page.
Check your bill. The city runs the northern third with Liberty Utilities, and Golden State Water serves the rest. Hardness information applies to the Golden State area only.
Contact your landlord or property manager in writing and attach photos. If the problem is flooding or has no hot water, call us for the emergency visit while you notify the owner.
About 46 percent were built before 1960, so many have aging fixtures and drain lines. Age alone does not mean failure, but a camera or leak check can show what condition the lines are in.