Flooded basement storage room with standing water damaging shelves, containers, and belongings in a Chicago home.

Flood Damage Restoration Tips & Information for Chicago: Spring, Summer, Fall & Winter

Sam Simon

July 12, 2025

Chicago homeowners face flooding risks in every season — from spring rains to summer storms, fall downpours, and winter thaws. Learn how to prepare, respond, and restore with this expert guide.

Why Flooding Isn’t Just a Springtime Risk in Chicago

Flooding in the Chicago area isn’t limited to spring rains. Homeowners across the city, suburbs, and North Shore face flooding risks throughout the spring, summer, fall, and even winter.

At ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons, we’ve seen first-hand the damage caused by:

Summer thunderstorms and flash floods
Fall heavy rains and clogged gutters
Winter rain-on-snow melt and frozen sump pumps

This year-round guide will help you understand when floods happen, how to prepare your home, and what to do when disaster strikes.

Common Causes of Flooding in Chicago Homes

Spring: Heavy rains + frozen ground runoff
Summer: Thunderstorms, flash flooding, sewer backups
Fall: Persistent rain, clogged gutters, foundation seepage
Winter: Rain on snow, ice dams, frozen or failed sump pumps

How to Prepare Your Home for Flooding (Any Time of Year)

Elevate critical utilities: Raise breaker boxes, appliances, and heating systems above known flood levels.
Check and maintain your sump pump: Test it regularly and install a battery backup.
Install water alarms: Early detection in basements can save thousands.
Clean gutters and downspouts: Prevent water buildup near foundations.
Move valuables upstairs: Keep important documents, photos, and valuables above flood-prone areas.
Create an emergency supply kit: Include water, food, medications, flashlight, radio, pet supplies, and chargers.
Have a pet plan: Pets need emergency plans too — prepare carriers, leashes, and extra food.

How ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons Responds After a Flood

When flooding occurs, it’s not just about mopping up water — it’s about professional, certified restoration. Here’s what we do:

Initial Assessment
We identify the water source (e.g., sewer backup, stormwater, pipe burst) and determine water categories (clean, grey, black) per IICRC S500 standards.
Water Extraction
We use industrial pumps and vacuums to remove standing water quickly.
Material Removal
Wet drywall, baseboards, flooring, and personal items are safely removed to prevent secondary damage.
Anti-Microbial Treatment
We apply EPA-approved agents to prevent mold and bacterial growth.
Drying & Dehumidification
We use powerful air movers and dehumidifiers to dry affected areas thoroughly.
Insurance Coordination
We work directly with your insurance adjuster to document damage and expedite your claim.

Why Choose ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons

40+ years of trusted local service
IICRC Master Fire & Water Restorer credentials
MBE/WBE-certified, women- and family-owned business
Rapid response across Chicago, Oak Park, River Forest, North Shore, Lake County, and DuPage County
Experts in flooded basements, sewer backups, sump pump failures, and storm recovery

Service Areas

FAQs: Flooding in Chicago Homes

Q: Does homeowners insurance cover flood damage?
A: No — flood insurance is typically a separate policy. Check with your insurance agent to ensure you’re covered.

Q: What should I do immediately after a flood?
A: Stay safe, shut off electricity if safe to do so, call a professional restoration company, and document damage with photos.

Q: How can I prevent winter flooding?
A: Maintain sump pumps, clear snow from foundations, and watch for ice dams on the roof.

Call to Action

If your home has been affected by flooding, call ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons at 773-376-1110 for expert, immediate flood damage restoration. We’ll help you recover your home — and your peace of mind.

About ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons

ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons is a women-owned, MBE/WBE-certified disaster restoration firm led by IICRC Master Fire & Water Restorer Sam Simon and CEO Nasutsa Mabwa. With over 40 years of experience, we proudly serve residential and commercial clients across Chicagoland, providing:

We’re also the authors of RESTORE: A Complete Guide to Protecting Your Home As Your Most Valuable Asset — an essential resource for home protection.

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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