Water damage in St. George
St. George is dry most of the time, but water damage still happens here, from floods, plumbing failures and leaks under slabs. When it does, a few local conditions make speed especially important.
Floods
In January 2005, a rain-on-snow event from a stalled storm caused severe flooding along the Santa Clara River in St. George, with damage to homes in the area estimated at $300 million. Afterward, the city began work to join FEMA's Community Rating System for floodplain management. Summer storms can flood washes, streets and low-lying homes quickly. If you live near a wash or the river, ask your insurer about flood coverage; standard homeowner policies don't include it.
Plumbing leaks
The City of St. George says most water in Southern Utah is hard. Scale wears out valves, fittings and water heaters, and failures are a common cause of water damage. A water heater that's leaking from the tank needs to be replaced. Supply lines to toilets, sinks and washers should be checked and replaced when they show wear.
Slab leaks and soil
The Utah Geological Survey says collapsible soils are common in the St. George–Hurricane area and can settle up to 10 percent of the deposit's thickness when wetted for the first time. A leak under a slab can soak the soil and cause settlement on top of the water damage. If you have a slab leak, ask the restoration company and plumber to check for new cracks in floors and walls, and keep any record of when the leak started.
Drying in the heat
A reading of 117°F at the St. George cooperative weather station on July 10, 2021 tied Utah's all-time maximum temperature record. Dry outdoor air helps drying, but a closed, hot house with wet materials can grow mold. Ask the company how they'll manage air movement and dehumidification, and how they'll measure moisture to show when materials are dry.
What a restoration company should do
Ask how soon they can arrive, how they'll remove water, and what they'll remove and why. Ask for daily moisture readings and photos.
Clean and dirty water
Supply-line water is clean at first. Flood water and sewer backups carry contamination, and porous materials they touch usually must be removed. Ask how they classify your water.
Insurance
Call your insurer early and photograph damage before work starts. Read any form before signing; some assign your claim to the contractor. You can choose your own company.