Emergency flood damage restoration is the response to water that came from outside the plumbing: river rise, heavy runoff, groundwater or a sewer line that backed up. In American Fork the most common version is spring runoff in the foothills and along the American Fork River, plus the basement seepage that can follow.
Safety comes first. Floodwater and sewage can carry contamination, so stay out of standing water, keep children and pets away and call the utility or 911 before you call us if water reaches the panel or you smell gas. Dispatch is open 24/7 at (385) 988-9410, and we offer same-day response when available.
Spring runoff and American Fork's flood history
The city's river channel page says American Fork River runs through the city into Utah Lake and that spring runoff peaks from April through June 1. It adds that the city is not responsible for providing flood protection to personal property. In 2023, record snowpack led the state to declare an emergency over flooding and flood risks, and the city offered limited sandbags at 275 E 200 N.
The state's hazard mitigation plan lists Utah County in federal flood declarations in 1983, 1984 and 2011. That is a reminder that high-runoff years come back, so a plan made before the creek rises is worth more than one made during it.
If water is still rising
- Move to higher ground and keep out of floodwater
- Turn off power only if you can reach the panel dry, and call the utility or 911 if the panel is wet
- Move valuables and documents upstairs
- Do not drive through flooded roads
- Call dispatch, then call your insurer
Basement flooding cleanup
Basements flood from window wells, floor drains, groundwater pressure and failed sump pumps. A finished basement is the hardest case because carpet, drywall and insulation absorb the water and hold it against concrete. Crews pump the water out, remove materials that cannot be saved, dry the slab and walls and check moisture before anything is rebuilt.
Callers sometimes ask about waterproofing or a foundation inspection. Restoration is not waterproofing. If the basement floods again after the repair, the cause has to be fixed by someone who handles drainage and foundations, and we would rather say that up front.
Basement or crawl space under water?
Call dispatch and describe what you see. A crew can often be sent the same day.
Sewage backup: what to do first
Sewage is Category 3 water. The EPA, citing the S500 standard, calls it heavily contaminated and capable of carrying pathogens or toxins. Do not clean it yourself, do not run the drains and keep everyone away from the affected rooms. Porous materials that touched sewage, such as carpet, pad and drywall, are removed and discarded.
Report a backup to the city if it may come from the public line. American Fork's sewer and storm division is the contact for the city system, and the city's emergency page lists a sewer and storm water number. Then call us for removal, cleanup and sanitizing.
| Source | Category | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Burst supply line that flooded a floor | Category 1 at first | Fast extraction and drying, most materials saved |
| Runoff or groundwater entering a basement | Category 2 or 3 | Porous materials removed, surfaces sanitized |
| Sewer backup or toilet overflow from the drain side | Category 3 | Professional removal, protective equipment, discard of exposed porous materials |
| Irrigation line break | Treat as contaminated | The state says secondary water is not treated |
Insurance and flood coverage
The Utah Insurance Department says flood, earthquake, earth movement and mudslide are typically not covered on a homeowners policy, and a Utah Insurance Department flood FAQ states that standard flood policies usually have a 30-day waiting period. The state's hazard plan counted 695 active flood policies in Utah County as of January 2023. If your home sits near the channel, ask your insurer about flood coverage well before April.
After a loss, the department advises calling your insurer as soon as possible, taking steps to prevent further damage and waiting for the insurer to inspect before permanent repairs. We provide photos, readings and a written scope. We do not decide coverage.
What decides the price
| Factor | How it affects the job |
|---|---|
| Water category | Category 3 water adds protective gear and discard of porous materials |
| Depth and duration | Longer exposure means more material loss |
| Area | Basement square footage and number of rooms drive labor and drying |
| Drying days | Concrete and framing dry slowly |
| Rebuild scope | Repairs follow after drying and the insurer's inspection |
The scope and price are explained before work starts. Call (385) 988-9410 for a conversation about your situation.
Where flood restoration connects
Flood work often runs alongside emergency water removal and water mitigation, and mold can follow if materials stay wet, which is when mold remediation becomes part of the plan. Foothill and creek-side homes in Alpine face their own runoff issues.
Questions about flood damage restoration
Yes. Dispatch is answered 24/7. Flood water carries contamination and keeps rising or seeping, so waiting until morning is rarely a good idea.
Usually not. The Utah Insurance Department lists flood as a peril typically not covered on a homeowners policy, and says coverage can be added by endorsement or a separate policy. Standard flood policies usually carry a 30-day waiting period.
The department says water damage from backed-up drains or sewers is not covered under most standard homeowners policies. Some insurers offer an endorsement, so ask yours before you need it.
No. Restoration repairs the damage and dries the structure. Waterproofing, grading and drainage changes prevent future water, and they belong to a different trade. We say so plainly, because the cause has to be fixed or the water returns.
Not in contaminated water. The CDC advises staying out of floodwater, which can carry human and animal waste, hazardous chemicals and germs. Wait for guidance from the crew.
Use the FEMA Flood Map Service Center for your address, and ask the city. A 2024 state notice about new flood maps for Utah County says floodplain boundaries changed in American Fork.
Water still spreading or a question this page did not cover? Call (385) 988-9410