Water damage restoration in Chicago, IL
Chicago basements flood. Most of the city is served by a combined sewer system that carries stormwater and sewage in the same pipes, and heavy rain can overload it and push water up through basement floor drains. The Tunnel and Reservoir Plan, known as the Deep Tunnel, holds a large share of that overflow, but intense storms like July 2023's still flooded thousands of basements on the West Side and in nearby suburbs. Winters bring frozen pipes and ice dams.
- Fast callback on emergency requests
- Cook County · 59 ZIP codes
Quick answer
For water, fire or smoke damage in Chicago, IL, stop the source if it's safe, then call (833) 462-1975. We connect you with an independent restoration company that serves your ZIP; 59 Chicago ZIP codes are covered. The most common local causes are sewer backups, frozen pipes and ice dams.
Local conditions
What causes water damage in Chicago
Brick bungalows and two-flats from the early 1900s through the 1950s dominate many neighborhoods, most with basements, many finished as living space or garden units. Plumbing is often original cast-iron drains and galvanized supply lines. The January 2019 polar vortex, with lows near -23°F, froze pipes across the city.
Sewer backups
Heavy rain overloads combined sewers and pushes water, sometimes sewage, up floor drains and basement toilets.
Frozen pipes
Deep cold freezes pipes in exterior walls, enclosed porches and unheated basements.
Ice dams
Snow on older roofs with little attic insulation builds ice dams that push water into top-floor ceilings.
Common calls
Most requested in Chicago
Sewage Backup Cleanup
Sewage backup cleanup is category 3 water work: crews in protective gear remove the waste water and every porous material it touched, clean and disinfect hard surfaces, and dry the area.
About sewage backup cleanup
Flooded Basement Cleanup
Flooded basement cleanup means pumping out the water, removing wet carpet, drywall and insulation that can't be saved, cleaning and disinfecting, and drying the space with dehumidifiers.
About flooded basement cleanup
Burst Pipe Cleanup
When a pipe bursts, shut off the main water valve first, then get water extraction and drying started.
About burst pipe cleanup
Mold Remediation
Mold remediation contains the affected area, removes moldy porous materials, cleans hard surfaces and fixes the moisture problem that caused it.
About mold remediationAlso available: emergency water removal and every water and fire damage service.
Chicago at a glance
- County
- Cook County, Illinois
- ZIP codes covered
- 60499, 60601, 60602, 60603, 60604, 60605, 60606, 60607, 60610, 60611, 60613, 60614, 60615, 60618, 60622, 60625, 60626, 60630, 60631, 60634, 60638, 60640, 60641, 60642, 60643, 60645, 60646, 60647, 60652, 60654, 60655, 60656, 60657, 60659, 60660, 60661, 60664, 60666, 60668, 60669, 60670, 60673, 60674, 60675, 60677, 60678, 60680, 60681, 60684, 60685, 60686, 60687, 60688, 60689, 60690, 60694, 60695, 60696, 60699
- Main local risks
- Sewer backups, Frozen pipes, Ice dams
- Licensing
- See the Illinois page for the licensing board to check
FAQ
Chicago questions
Who do I call for water damage in Chicago?
For water, fire or smoke damage in Chicago, IL, stop the source if it's safe, then call (833) 462-1975. We connect you with an independent restoration company that serves your ZIP; 59 Chicago ZIP codes are covered. The most common local causes are sewer backups, frozen pipes and ice dams.
How do I prevent basement sewer backups in Chicago?
A licensed plumber can install a backwater valve or an overhead sewer. Clearing floor drains and downspout disconnections can help too. Check your insurance for a sewer backup endorsement.
Does Chicago license contractors?
Yes. Chicago requires general contractors to be licensed, and repairs generally need permits from the Department of Buildings.
Guides
Water damage help near Chicago
- Water damage restoration in Cicero, IL4 mi
- Water damage restoration in Berwyn, IL5 mi
- Water damage restoration in Oak Park, IL6 mi
- Water damage restoration in Oak Lawn, IL9 mi
- Water damage restoration in Evanston, IL14 mi
- Water damage restoration in Skokie, IL14 mi
- Water damage restoration in Elmhurst, IL14 mi
- Water damage restoration in Park Ridge, IL15 mi
- Water damage restoration in Lombard, IL17 mi
- Water damage restoration in Orland Park, IL18 mi
Also covered in Cook County
Cicero · Schaumburg · Evanston · Arlington Heights · Palatine · Skokie · Des Plaines · Orland Park · Oak Lawn · Berwyn · Mount Prospect · Tinley Park · Oak Park · Hoffman Estates · Glenview · Streamwood · Park Ridge · Wheeling
Water damage in Chicago?
Stop the source if you can, then call. We'll connect you with a local restoration company that serves your ZIP.
Fast callback on emergency requests