Cook County
Water damage & mold help in Chicago, IL
Chicago is a city of basements: brick bungalows, two-flats and three-flats fill neighborhoods from Rogers Park to Bridgeport, and almost all have basements, many finished. The city's combined sewer system carries stormwater and sewage together, so heavy rain often backs water up through floor drains. Polar-vortex cold freezes pipes in winter.
Areas served
Lincoln Park · Lakeview · Logan Square · Bridgeport · Rogers Park
ZIPs include 60610, 60611, 60613, 60614, 60618, 60657
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Chicago homes and water damage
The Chicago bungalow belt and two-flats have basements with floor drains connected to combined sewers. Older homes have clay or cast-iron laterals.
Basement sewer backups
Intense rain overwhelms the combined sewer system, sending water and sewage into basements. Backwater valves and overhead sewers are common fixes.
Frozen pipes
Polar-vortex events, like January 2019, freeze pipes in exterior walls and garages.
Lake Michigan shoreline
High lake levels and storms have eroded the shoreline and flooded lakefront buildings.
Two-flat plumbing
Chicago two-flats and three-flats stack kitchens and bathrooms, so a leak in the upper unit runs into the unit below and often into the basement.
Deep tunnel system
The Tunnel and Reservoir Plan (Deep Tunnel) stores stormwater to reduce flooding, but the most intense storms still overwhelm it and back water into basements.
Bungalow belt basements
Brick bungalows across the Southwest and Northwest sides often have finished basements, where a single backup can damage carpet, drywall and belongings.
Common calls in Chicago
Also available: emergency water damage and all restoration services.
Chicago at a glance
- County
- Cook County
- Neighborhoods
- Lincoln Park, Lakeview, Logan Square, Bridgeport
- ZIP codes
- 60610, 60611, 60613, 60614, 60618, 60657
- Nearby
- Rockford, IL, Milwaukee, WI, Indianapolis, IN
Chicago questions
Is sewer backup covered by insurance in Chicago?
Usually only with a sewer or drain backup endorsement, which many Chicago homeowners add.
Do I need a permit for repairs in Chicago?
Structural, plumbing and electrical repairs need permits from the Chicago Department of Buildings, and contractors need Chicago licenses.
Helpful guides
Nearby and related areas
Water or mold damage in Chicago? Get the right crew on it.
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