St. George Mold Recovery Guide: Hidden Leaks, Floods and Evaporative Coolers

A free recovery and process guide for homeowners in St. George and the rest of Washington County, from Get Mold Remediation Pros.

Mold in the desert

It is easy to assume mold cannot grow in St. George's dry air, but it can wherever water collects. Most local mold follows a hidden leak: the City of St. George says most water in Southern Utah is hard, and mineral buildup wears out supply lines and valves until they drip inside walls and cabinets. Floods happen too; in January 2005, flooding along the Santa Clara River caused damage to homes estimated at $300 million. And in the extreme heat, which reached 117°F on July 10, 2021, many homes run evaporative coolers that add moisture indoors. This guide covers recovery and prevention.

Step 1: Find the water

Look for:

leaks under sinks, at the water heater and behind the refrigerator;
worn supply lines and valves crusted with mineral deposits;
roof leaks after monsoon storms;
evaporative coolers that leak or over-humidify;
irrigation spraying onto walls.

Fix the source first.

Step 2: Dry the area

St. George's dry air helps drying, but water trapped under flooring or inside walls still needs fans, dehumidifiers and moisture readings.

Step 3: Clean or hire out

Small patches on hard surfaces can often be cleaned by a homeowner with gloves, eye protection and a respirator. Large areas, mold in walls or ducts, and mold after flooding need a professional. Discard porous materials that stay moldy.

Step 4: Choosing a remediation company

Ask for a written scope: areas, containment, removal, drying, cleaning and how completion will be documented. Get more than one quote.

Step 5: Insurance

Coverage for mold varies, and many policies cover it only after a sudden covered loss. Photograph damage, keep receipts and read your policy. The Utah Insurance Department takes insurance complaints through its online complaint portal, forwards each to the company for a response, reviews the response and sends you its findings, a process that usually takes three to four weeks. Call 801-957-9200, or 1-800-439-3805 toll-free in Utah.

Evaporative cooler care

Change pads each season and clean the reservoir.
Bleed off mineral buildup as the manufacturer directs.
Open windows slightly while the cooler runs so humid air can leave.
Drain and cover the cooler for winter.

Prevention

Replace old supply lines and water heater connectors.
Install leak sensors under sinks and near the water heater.
Keep irrigation off walls.

Records

Keep photos, invoices and remediation reports.

Garages and storage

Hot garages with water heaters, softeners and laundry are common mold spots after small leaks. Check behind and under these appliances twice a year, and keep stored cardboard off the floor where a leak would soak it.

Sources for this guide

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. Source: Utah Division of Emergency Management, Flood Hazard
The Utah Insurance Department takes insurance complaints through its online complaint portal, forwards each one to the company for a response, reviews the response and sends the consumer its findings, a process that usually takes three to four weeks. Consumer services: 801-957-9200, or 1-800-439-3805 toll-free in Utah. Source: Utah Insurance Department, Complaints
The City of St. George says most water sources in Southern Utah are hard because of naturally occurring calcium and magnesium, and that customers with water softeners may find settings of 13 to 24 grains per gallon most effective. Source: City of St. George, 2024 Water Quality Report
A reading of 117°F at the St. George cooperative weather station on July 10, 2021 tied Utah's all-time maximum temperature record, first set in 1985; the State Climate Extremes Committee accepted it. Source: NOAA NCEI State Climate Extremes Committee, Utah Maximum Temperature report (July 8, 2022)

Sources checked 2026-10-26. Every cost figure on this page comes from a source named above; fees and rules change, so confirm current amounts with the office that sets them before you budget.