Published by ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons

Introduction: A Wake-Up Call for Chicago Homeowners

In 2025, water damage is quickly becoming one of the most urgent threats to homes across the greater Chicago area. With record-breaking rainfalls, outdated sewer infrastructure, and more frequent freeze-thaw cycles, even well-maintained properties are at risk. At ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons, we’ve responded to more water damage claims in the first five months of this year than we did in the same period last year—an alarming 17% increase.

This report lays out the facts, trends, and neighborhood-level insights every homeowner should know, plus what you can do right now to protect your most valuable asset.

2025 Water Damage Trends in Chicago

⚠️ Rainfall Extremes Are Now the Norm

According to the National Weather Service and NOAA, Chicagoland experienced 11% more rainfall in Q1 2025 than the 10-year seasonal average, with many areas seeing two or more "flash flood" events by early May alone.

Source: NOAA Illinois Rainfall Data – 2025

❄️ Freeze-Thaw Cycles Continue to Stress Infrastructure

2025 has also seen more than 22 freeze-thaw cycles between January and March, leading to increased burst pipe incidents in both vintage homes and newer properties.

Source: National Centers for Environmental Information

🌊 Sewer Overflows Are Rising

The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago has reported a 12% uptick in combined sewer overflow events this year, particularly affecting neighborhoods near the North Branch of the Chicago River.

Source: MWRD Sewer Overflow Dashboard

Most At-Risk Chicago Neighborhoods & Suburbs (2025 Data)

🏡 Chicago Proper

• Albany Park: Near the river, frequent overflows
• Uptown: Basement flooding complaints spiked in April
• Portage Park: High number of broken pipes reported
• West Loop: Sump pump failures in new developments

🏠 North Shore Suburbs

• Evanston & Wilmette: Aging infrastructure + lakefront saturation
• Glencoe & Highland Park: Historic homes with poor drainage
• Lake Forest: Multiple pipe bursts reported in early 2025 freeze

🏢 DuPage County

• Naperville: Detention ponds overwhelmed in March storms
• Glen Ellyn & Wheaton: High mold remediation call volume
• Downers Grove: Sewer backup activity above seasonal norms

✅ Is Your Home Water-Damage Ready? (Checklist)

Even well-maintained homes can fall victim to water damage, especially with Chicago’s unpredictable weather. Use this quick checklist to identify hidden risks:

• Do you test your sump pump twice per year?
• Is your yard graded to slope away from your foundation?
• Are gutters and downspouts clean and extending at least 6 feet from the home?
• Have you installed a backwater valve or flood sensor?
• Do you check indoor humidity levels (target: below 55%)?
• Are the washing machine and dishwasher hoses current and in good condition?
• Have you inspected your basement or crawl space for hidden moisture?
• Are valuables stored off the floor or in waterproof containers?

If you answered "no" to any of these, your home may be at risk.

What the Data Doesn’t Show: Hidden Risks Homeowners Miss

Even if your home appears dry on the surface, 2025 has revealed a sharp rise in:

• Mold colonies behind drywall after minor leaks
• Water intrusion under the flooring caused by ice damming
• Delayed damage from minor seepage, especially after spring rains
• Insurance claim denials due to a lack of maintenance documentation

Many homeowners are caught off guard by what insurance won’t cover. Be proactive.

Related Read: 5 Things NOT Covered by Homeowners Insurance

How to Protect Your Property in 2025 and Beyond

1. Get a professional moisture inspection annually
2. Install a backup sump system with battery power
3. Document all maintenance efforts (photos, receipts, dates)
4. Use smart sensors in high-risk areas like laundry rooms and basements
5. Partner with certified pros like ServiceMaster Simons before small issues grow

About ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons

With over 40 years of local service, ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons is Chicago's go-to expert for water, fire, and mold restoration. We are IICRC-certified and have earned national recognition for our rapid response and high-level craftsmanship. We serve Chicago and the surrounding areas, including:

• City: West Loop, Bucktown, Albany Park, Portage Park
• North Shore: Evanston, Wilmette, Glencoe, Highland Park, Lake Forest, Glenview
• DuPage County: Naperville, Glen Ellyn, Wheaton, Downers Grove

Learn more: https://www.servicemaster-restorationbysimons.com/

Sources

1. NOAA National Rainfall Trends: https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/cag/
2. NCEI Freeze-Thaw Reports: https://www.ncei.noaa.gov
3. MWRD Overflow Tracker: https://mwrd.org/overflow-action-alerts
4. NRDC Midwest Climate Change Brief: https://www.nrdc.org/resources/climate-change-midwest
5. FEMA IL Claims Summary: https://www.fema.gov/openfema-data-page/fema-claims