What makes South Hills different?
South Hills is the hillside residential area rising above the Kanawha River south of downtown, including neighborhoods such as Greenbrier Gardens, Joplin and Oakwood, and the Davis Creek area. Lots are often steep and wooded, and many homes are large, multi-level houses with finished lower levels, built into the slope.
Steep ground and big trees define the water damage here. Rain does not soak in on a slope; it runs downhill, and houses built into the hill catch it. Storms bring down limbs from mature trees. And in a home with three or four levels, a leak upstairs can travel a long way before it shows.
Water damage on hillside lots
When heavy rain soaks a hillside, water collects against the uphill side of the house and against retaining walls, then pushes through foundation joints, cracks and window wells into the lower level. In a finished lower level, that means wet carpet, drywall and furniture. Flooded basement cleanup explains how it is pumped out, opened up and dried.
Low areas along creeks, including the Davis Creek area, can also take on water when creeks rise in heavy rain. That water is treated as contaminated; see storm and flood damage.
Storm and roof damage
Wooded lots mean big trees close to houses. High winds can drop limbs through roofs, and rain follows through the opening. The first step is to stop more water getting in with a tarp, covered on emergency board-up. Then the attic insulation, ceilings and walls that got wet need to be dried or replaced. See ceiling and drywall water damage.
Leaks in multi-level homes
A failed supply line in an upstairs bathroom or a leaking ice-maker line in a main-floor kitchen can send water down through two floors of ceilings. Tracing it with moisture meters and thermal imaging, then drying each level, is the job. Burst pipe water damage covers it.
Fire, smoke and mold
In a multi-level home, smoke from a fire on any floor rises and spreads. Smoke damage cleanup covers every level. On the mold side, damp lower levels and attics shaded by trees are the main risks; see basement mold removal and attic mold removal.
Keeping water away on a hillside lot
- Keep gutters clear of leaves and needles, which fill quickly on wooded lots.
- Extend downspouts and consider a surface drain on the uphill side.
- Check retaining walls for leaning or bulging, which can signal water pressure behind them.
- Have large trees near the house inspected and trimmed before storm season.
- Test the sump pump and keep a battery backup.
Nearby areas
South Hills overlooks Kanawha City and Downtown Charleston, with South Charleston and Spring Hill to the west. For water, fire and mold damage anywhere in the area, see local restoration help in Charleston.
Call to be connected with an independent local provider who works in 25314.
South Hills water damage FAQs
A tree came through my roof. What do I do first?
Get everyone out of the affected rooms, stay off the roof, and call to have the opening tarped and the water dried. Photograph the damage.
Is help available in the Davis Creek area?
Yes. Davis Creek is in the 25314 ZIP code and calls from there are covered.
Why does water come into my lower level only in big storms?
On a hillside, saturated soil on the uphill side pushes water through foundation joints and cracks when it rains hard. Better drainage on that side usually helps.