Midwest · IL
Water damage & mold help in Illinois
In Illinois, the basement is where most water damage happens. Chicago and many older suburbs are served by combined sewers that carry both stormwater and sewage, and heavy rain can push sewage back up through basement floor drains. Frozen pipes, sump pump failures and tornadoes round out the risks downstate.
- Climate
- Cold winters, hot humid summers, and heavy spring and summer storms.
- Partner coverage
- 1,573 ZIPs in 1,299 communities
Main water, mold and storm risks in Illinois
Basement flooding and sewer backup
Intense rain overwhelms combined sewers in Chicago and older suburbs, backing water and sewage into basements. Backwater valves and overhead sewers are common fixes.
Frozen pipes
Polar-vortex cold, like the January 2019 event, freezes pipes in exterior walls, garages and crawlspaces.
Sump pump failure
Power outages during storms stop sump pumps exactly when they're needed. Battery backups help.
Illinois at a glance
- Housing
- Chicago bungalows, two-flats and older suburban homes nearly all have basements, many of them finished, which raises the cost of any water loss.
- Contractor licensing
- Illinois doesn't license general contractors statewide, but roofers are licensed by the state and many cities, including Chicago, license contractors locally. Ask for local licenses and insurance.
- Restoration coverage
- Restoration partners currently bid on 507 Illinois ZIP codes (LeadSmart coverage data, 2026-10-05).
- Availability
- Fast call-back during business hours
Seasonal prevention checklist for Illinois
Spring storm season
Test the sump pump, add a battery backup, and consider a backwater valve or overhead sewer.
Before winter
Insulate pipes in exterior walls and garages, and disconnect outdoor hoses.
Year-round
Add a sewer backup endorsement to your homeowners policy.
Restoration services in Illinois
Water damage
Mold removal
Fire & smoke damage
Sewage & biohazard
Cities in Illinois
Partner coverage also includes Peoria, Aurora, Eola, Fox Valley, Springfield, Champaign, Naperville, Joliet, Bloomington, Elgin, and other communities. If your town isn't listed, send a request with your ZIP.
Illinois questions
Is sewer backup covered by insurance in Illinois?
Usually only with a sewer or drain backup endorsement. Many Chicago-area homeowners add it because basement backups are so common.
Do Illinois contractors need a license?
There's no statewide general contractor license, but Chicago and many suburbs require local licensing, and roofers need a state license.
Helpful guides
Neighboring states
Water, mold or fire damage in Illinois? Get the right crew on it.
One call connects you with an independent restoration company that serves your ZIP code. Fast call-back during business hours.