West Hollywood residents got a rude wake-up call this week when a massive water main break turned a stretch of Sunset Boulevard into a river, flooded an apartment complex’s parking garage, and left a sinkhole big enough to swallow more than just your morning commute. If you’re the type who checks your car every morning just to make sure it’s still where you left it, this one’s for you, because plenty of West Hollywood residents woke up to find their vehicles sitting in several feet of water instead.
The break happened along Sunset Boulevard near Holloway Drive, and the pipe involved wasn’t your average residential line. This was a 36-inch steel supply line dating back to the early 1900s, built to carry serious volumes of water through the area. When it ruptured, the water had nowhere to go but downhill, and since the neighborhood sits on a hill with several below-grade parking garages, gravity did exactly what gravity does.
West Hollywood Mayor John Heilman showed up on scene to survey the damage himself, walking building to building with residents to assess the destruction and answer questions. He confirmed the water main had already been shut off, but the flooding had already done its work on cars, garages, and at least one apartment unit that took on water directly.
By the time the sun was up, what started as a straightforward pipe break had turned into something bigger. Literally. The site had become a full sinkhole, and city crews were still trying to figure out how deep the damage actually went.
What Caused the Flooding
Unlike a typical water main break, where you get a geyser, a quick shutoff, and minimal cleanup, this one was different because of the sheer size of the pipe. A 3-foot-wide steel supply line carries a lot of pressure and a lot of volume, so when it gave way, the water didn’t just spray, it flowed.
Reported KTLA 5, crews say it’s still unclear exactly what caused the century-old pipe to fail, though aging infrastructure is clearly part of the conversation.
A Sinkhole Opens Up
The break eventually created a sinkhole large enough that DWP crews needed heavy equipment just to clear the standing water before they could safely get personnel down to inspect it. A second, smaller sinkhole also opened up nearby on the sidewalk.
Video circulating from the scene reportedly showed two people falling into that smaller hole as it formed, a reminder that these things don’t always announce themselves before they open up.
What Happens Next for Residents
Mayor Heilman pointed affected residents toward the LADWP claims website to begin the process of filing for damages. The city has an evacuation plan ready if it becomes necessary, though officials said that step hadn’t been required as of the latest update. In the meantime, nearby businesses are feeling the pinch too, with local shops and restaurants along the closed stretch missing out on their usual foot traffic.
Crews are continuing to assess the extent of the repair needed before offering a timeline, but given the age and size of the pipe involved, this is likely to be a multi-day project rather than an overnight fix.