Water Damage Rarely Starts With a Splash

Ask any experienced Chicago homeowner—or any restoration professional—and they’ll tell you the same thing:

Most water damage begins quietly.
Slow leaks. Small drips. HVAC condensation. A loose shingle. A tiny plumbing fitting. A hairline crack in the foundation. A sump pump that runs “a little too often.”

And because Chicago’s older housing stock includes:

• frame homes
• multi-level flats
• brick bungalows
• vintage condos
• 100-year-old brownstones

…hidden water damage is extremely common.

As the owner of ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons and an IICRC Master Water & Fire Restorer, I’ve seen too many families deal with massive repairs that could’ve been prevented with early detection.

Here are the seven hidden signs of water damage every Chicago and North Shore homeowner should watch for—especially if you live in neighborhoods like Bucktown, Ravenswood, Andersonville, Edison Park, Wilmette, Evanston, Glenview, or Lake Forest.

1. Discolored or Peeling Paint — Especially Near Ceilings or Baseboards

Paint is your wall’s “early warning system.”
When water seeps behind drywall or plaster, moisture pushes outward, causing:

• flaking
• bubbling
• peeling
• soft spots
• uneven texture
• stains or rings

Chicago homeowners notice this most often:

• above window frames
• near exterior walls
• behind tubs or showers
• around radiators
• below the upstairs bathrooms

Any “puffy” or “bubbled” paint almost always means moisture is trapped behind it.

2. A Musty, Damp, or “Old Basement” Smell (Even If the Basement Looks Dry)

Musty smells = mold spores releasing into the air.
Even if you can’t see any mold, it’s almost always growing somewhere.

Chicago homes experience this when:

• Humidity gets trapped in older basements
• Foundation cracks let in groundwater
• Crawlspaces lack proper ventilation
• Sump pumps cycle constantly
• HVAC systems drip condensation

If your basement or a specific room has a smell you can’t freshen away, you likely have hidden water damage.

3. Warped Floors, Sagging Boards, or Soft Spots

Wood floors don’t lie.
When boards start cupping, buckling, or separating, this is often a sign of:

• slow plumbing leaks
• ice dams (common in Chicago winters)
• HVAC condensation
• dishwasher leaks
• fridge line leaks
• bathroom overflow issues

Even laminate flooring shows signs: soft spots, raised seams, or spongy texture.

4. Unexplained Mold Growth — Especially in Corners or Around Vents

Mold is never random.

If you’re seeing:

• black spots
• white fuzz
• discoloration
• spreading patches
• growth around supply vents

…it’s almost always pointing to moisture nearby.

Mold often grows:

• behind walls
• inside HVAC ducts
• under flooring
• in crawlspaces
• behind cabinets

Even small mold patches should be taken seriously, especially for Chicago families dealing with asthma, allergies, or immunocompromised household members.

5. Sudden Spikes in Your Water Bill

If your water usage jumps without explanation, you likely have a hidden plumbing leak.

This happens frequently in:

• Older Chicago two-flats
• North Shore homes with aging copper pipes
• homes with finished basements
• vintage condos with shared plumbing stacks

A water bill spike is often the first sign homeowners get that something is wrong.

6. Stains on Ceilings or Walls (Even Very Faint Ones)

Water stains don’t need to be dramatic to signal a significant problem.

Look for:

• yellowing
• faint brown rings
• irregular shapes
• soft drywall
• discolored plaster
• sagging or bowing

Stains show up long after water has already infiltrated building materials.

7. Sump Pump Running Constantly (Even on Dry Days)

A sump pump that won’t stop cycling is a symptom—not the cause.

Common causes:

• rising groundwater
• foundation seepage
• drain tile blockage
• hydrostatic pressure
• underground leaks
• nearby construction altering water flow

A constantly running pump means water is finding its way in, even if you can’t see it yet.

When Hidden Water Damage Turns Into a Major Problem

If ignored, hidden moisture causes:

• mold growth
• structural weakening
• drywall damage
• foundation issues
• warped flooring
• rotted subfloors
• electrical hazards
• foul odors
• HVAC contamination

Chicago’s freeze-thaw cycles make small leaks worse very quickly.

When to Call ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons

You should call us immediately if:

• you see ANY signs listed above
• your sump pump runs constantly
• you smell mustiness you can’t remove
• a ceiling stain appears suddenly
• a floor becomes soft or uneven
• your water bill spikes for no reason
• your HVAC system drips or sweats excessively

We provide 24/7 water damage cleanup across:

• Chicago
• The North Shore
• Lake County
• Oak Park & River Forest
• DuPage County

We respond in under 90 minutes.

Why Homeowners Trust Us

Because we bring:

• 40+ years of local experience
• IICRC Master Water & Fire Restorer certification
• Chicago’s oldest national restoration brand (founded 1929)
• RIA membership
• Inc. 5000 Honoree 2025
• Award-winning service (Chicago Star Award, BBB Torch Award, Stevie® Award)

Plus, you can verify our credentials anytime:
https://iicrc.org/certifiedfirmverification/

Internal Links (Add These in NEST)

• Water Damage Restoration
  https://servicemaster-restorationbysimons.com/restoration-services/residential/water
• Mold Remediation
  https://servicemaster-restorationbysimons.com/restoration-services/residential/mold
• Fire Damage Restoration
  https://servicemaster-restorationbysimons.com/restoration-services/residential/fire
• Specialty Cleaning
  https://servicemaster-restorationbysimons.com/restoration-services/residential/specialty

Services We Provide

• Water Damage Restoration
• Flood Cleanup
• Sewage Cleanup
• Burst Pipe Cleanup
• Mold Remediation
• Fire & Smoke Damage Cleanup
• Post-Construction Cleaning
• Hoarding Cleanup
• Content Cleaning & Pack-Out
• Reconstruction

About ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons

ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons is Chicago’s trusted, award-winning disaster restoration firm serving:

• Chicago neighborhoods
• The North Shore (Skokie, Evanston, Wilmette, Glenview, Northbrook, Highland Park)
• Lake County
• Oak Park & River Forest
• DuPage County

Co-led by CEO Nasutsa Mabwa and COO Sam Simon, an IICRC Master Fire & Water Restorer, our team has restored homes and businesses for more than 40 years.

We also co-authored:
RESTORE: A Complete Guide to Protecting Your Home As Your Most Valuable Asset
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1952779529

FAQ

1. Is hidden water damage dangerous?

Yes — it can cause mold, structural damage, electrical hazards, and indoor air quality issues.

2. Can I clean hidden water damage myself?

Not recommended. Most hidden moisture requires professional detection tools and drying equipment.

3. How quickly can ServiceMaster arrive?

We respond within 90 minutes, 24/7.

4. Do you work with insurance?

Yes — we provide full documentation for adjusters and claims.