Flooded Basement in Northbrook Illinois – Standing Water in Finished Basement

Flooded Basement Cleanup in Northbrook: What to Do Immediately After Water Damage

Sam Simon

June 20, 2025

Dealing with a flooded basement in Northbrook? Learn what to do immediately after water damage strikes—and discover why homeowners trust ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons, backed by the nation’s oldest restoration brand, founded in 1929.

When your basement floods, it can feel overwhelming—but in Northbrook, Illinois, it’s a more common problem than many homeowners expect. Summer storms, sewer backups, and foundation seepage can all lead to inches (or feet) of standing water, often with little warning.

If you’re currently dealing with a flooded basement in Northbrook, rest assured, ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons is here to provide professional Water Damage Restoration Services for your home or business. Here’s what you need to know—and why fast, professional water cleanup can protect your home’s structure and long-term value.

Why Basements Flood in Northbrook During Summer Storms

Northbrook homeowners are no strangers to heavy rainfall. The village's aging stormwater infrastructure, combined with its mix of old and new construction, makes it particularly vulnerable to basement flooding.

Common causes include:

Intense summer thunderstorms
Sewer backups and overflows
Overflowing sump pumps
Poor grading or gutter drainage
Foundation cracks or hydrostatic pressure

Because many Northbrook homes have finished basements, flood damage can quickly impact carpeting, drywall, electrical systems, and personal belongings.

First 5 Things You Should Do Immediately

If your basement has flooded, time is critical. Here are five steps to take right now:

Ensure safety first: Don’t enter the basement if there is standing water and the power is still on. Shut off the electricity from the main breaker.
Stop the water source: If a burst pipe or appliance is the cause, shut off the water supply. In case of a sewer backup or storm, wait until the water subsides.
Document everything: Take photos and video for insurance purposes before you start any cleanup.
Remove valuables: If it’s safe, retrieve items like heirlooms, electronics, or documents from the waterlogged area.
Call a professional: Water damage worsens by the hour. A certified restoration company can begin drying, sanitizing, and mitigating mold growth immediately.

Do You Need Professional Water Damage Cleanup?

The short answer: yes, if more than a few gallons of water are involved.

Here’s why:

Mold begins forming within 24–48 hours
DIY methods can’t access moisture trapped behind walls or under floors
Home insurance may not cover damages if you attempt to self-clean

At ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons, we use industrial-grade dehumidifiers, moisture meters, and structural drying tools to get your basement clean and dry fast.

Why Trust ServiceMaster — Founded in Chicago in 1929

ServiceMaster is the nation’s oldest restoration brand, proudly founded in Chicago in 1929. Our North Shore branch brings over 40 years of local expertise to homes just like yours.

When you call us, you get:

24/7 emergency response
IICRC-certified technicians
Transparent pricing (we don’t offer free estimates because we deliver real ones)
Help coordinating insurance claims
Peace of mind from a name trusted in Chicagoland for generations

Northbrook Water Cleanup FAQs

Q: Will my insurance cover basement flood damage?
A: Possibly. Coverage depends on the cause. We can help document the damage and communicate directly with your adjuster.

Q: How long does basement drying take?
A: Typically 3–5 days, depending on severity. We monitor moisture daily.

Q: Can I stay in my home during the cleanup?
A: In most cases, yes—especially if the basement is isolated. We’ll help assess safety.

Q: What if mold is discovered?
A: We are certified in mold remediation and can handle it as part of your cleanup plan.

Call Now for Basement Water Removal in Northbrook

If your Northbrook basement is flooding, don’t wait. Call (847) 316-9145 any time, day or night. We’re locally owned, nationally backed, and always ready to help.

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 restoration experience to homes and businesses across Chicago, North Shore, and DuPage County.

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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