
Emergency Water Removal in Evanston: What to Do When Every Minute Counts

Sam Simon
June 20, 2025When water floods your Evanston home or business, every minute counts. Learn what to do and why ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons is trusted for 24/7 emergency water removal.
Whether it’s a burst pipe, basement flood, or appliance failure, water emergencies in Evanston demand immediate action. Standing water can damage flooring, drywall, furniture, and even your home’s foundation within hours. Mold growth can begin in less than 48.
If you're facing sudden water damage in your Evanston home or business, here’s exactly what to do—and why calling ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons right away can prevent a costly disaster.
Common Causes of Emergency Water Damage in Evanston
Evanston’s mix of historic homes, modern construction, and dense urban infrastructure means water issues can strike anywhere. The most common emergency scenarios we see include:
- Burst pipes (especially during winter or after construction damage)
- Basement flooding from heavy rain or sump pump failure
- Overflowing washing machines or dishwashers
- Leaking water heaters
- Sewer backups after storms
Even an inch of standing water can do thousands of dollars in damage. Time matters.
First 4 Things to Do Immediately
- Turn off the water source – If you can locate the main shutoff valve, do it right away.
- Shut off electricity – Never enter standing water with power on. Call ComEd if needed.
- Document the damage – Take photos and videos for your insurance claim.
- Call a certified restoration professional – The faster we arrive, the more we can save.
Don’t wait to "see if it dries out." Hidden moisture spreads beneath floors, behind walls, and into HVAC systems—and it can lead to mold, rot, and even structural failure.
Our Emergency Water Removal Process
At ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons, we respond 24/7/365 to water emergencies in Evanston and surrounding North Shore communities. Our IICRC-certified team follows a proven process:
- Rapid Assessment: We inspect all affected areas and determine the source.
- Water Extraction: Industrial-grade pumps and vacuums remove all standing water.
- Structural Drying: We place high-velocity air movers and dehumidifiers to dry hidden moisture in walls, floors, and ceilings.
- Moisture Mapping: Using infrared and digital moisture meters, we ensure nothing is missed.
- Anti-Microbial Treatment: We apply safe products to stop mold before it starts.
- Ongoing Monitoring: Daily checks to track drying progress and prevent secondary damage.
See our Residential Water Damage Restoration page for more details.
Why Evanston Trusts ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons
We’re not a fly-by-night contractor. ServiceMaster has been the nation’s most trusted restoration brand since 1929, founded right here in Chicago. And ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons brings over 40 years of local experience to Evanston homes and businesses.
When you call us, you get:
- Immediate response from a live, local dispatcher
- IICRC-certified technicians on every job
- Clear documentation and communication with your insurer
- Deep knowledge of Evanston building types, permits, and expectations
Check out our About Us page to learn more.
FAQs: Emergency Water Removal in Evanston
Q: How quickly can you get to my property?
A: We offer 24/7 emergency response and typically arrive within 60 minutes for Evanston addresses.
Q: Will my insurance cover this?
A: In many cases, yes—especially if the cause is sudden and accidental. We can help document everything for your claim.
Q: Can you work with my plumber or contractor?
A: Absolutely. We coordinate with other professionals to make sure your property is fully restored.
Q: What if mold is already starting to grow?
A: We are fully certified in mold remediation and can handle both water and mold damage as one seamless job.
Call Now for 24/7 Emergency Water Removal in Evanston IL
When water strikes, every minute matters. Call (847) 316-9145 now or contact us online for immediate water removal and cleanup services.
About the Author
Sam Simon is an IICRC Master Fire & Water Restorer and co-author of RESTORE: A Complete Guide to Protecting Your Home As Your Most Valuable Asset. As owner of ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons, Sam brings over 30 years of experience helping homeowners recover from water emergencies in Evanston, Chicago, and the North Shore.
Sam Simon
Sam Simon is the Co-Owner and Managing Director of ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons, a certified MBE/WBE disaster restoration and specialty cleaning firm proudly serving Cook, Lake, and DuPage Counties in Illinois. With over 30 years of experience in restoration project management, field operations, and emergency response, Sam plays a vital leadership role in overseeing service execution, technician development, reconstruction, and subcontractor coordination.
He holds the IICRC’s highest technical designation as a Master Fire & Water Restorer, a distinction achieved by fewer than 1% of professionals in the restoration industry. His technical scope includes water and flood damage restoration, fire and smoke recovery, mold remediation, and post-disaster reconstruction across both residential and commercial sectors.
Sam has demonstrated a long-standing commitment to helping communities in crisis. He has participated in large-scale disaster recovery efforts across the U.S., providing boots-on-the-ground leadership during Hurricanes Katrina, Sandy, and Harvey, as well as catastrophic floods, wildfires, and deep freeze events throughout Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, Ohio, Texas, and beyond. His dedication to serving distressed families and businesses in the wake of national catastrophes reflects both his personal values and ServiceMaster’s mission of restoring peace of mind.
In 2019, Sam was selected for the HACIA Contractor Training Program, a competitive six-month construction management cohort offered by the Hispanic American Construction Industry Association. The program delivers intensive instruction in blueprint reading, estimating, project management, and construction law—skills that support the company’s continued growth in emergency build-back and general contracting services.
Before co-founding ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons, Sam built a successful creative career under the name Sam Zabadneh, contributing to notable film and television productions including Chicago Fire (2012), Juvies (2007), and Image Union (1978). His media and videography background continues to shape ServiceMaster’s marketing strategy, digital training resources, and brand storytelling.
→ IMDb Profile
Sam is also the co-author of RESTORE: A Complete Guide to Protecting Your Home As Your Most Valuable Asset—a practical guidebook for homeowners navigating the challenges of water, fire, and mold damage.
Under the direction of majority owner and President & CEO Nasutsa Mabwa, and with Sam’s operational leadership, ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons has earned numerous regional and national accolades, including:
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