Flat roofs, old plumbing and small-lot density
Flat and low-slope roofs are common here, and they hold water after heavy summer rain. A small crack in the membrane or a clogged drain can let water settle and seep into the ceiling. When that happens, the first sign is often a bubble in the paint or a brown stain that grows after every storm.
Houses with galvanized or older copper supply lines may develop leaks behind walls, and cast iron drain lines can crack or corrode. Homes sit close together, so a backup or overflow can affect a neighbor's yard or shared wall. Duplexes and converted garages add questions about who owns which part of the plumbing.

