Spring Basement Water Damage in Lake Forest, IL: What Homeowners Need to Know
Sam Simon
April 16, 2025Why Spring Means Trouble for Lake Forest Basements
Lake Forest, IL, may be known for its charm and architecture, but come springtime, many homeowners in areas like Conway Farms and Everett face a recurring challenge: basement water damage caused by heavy rains, snowmelt, and aging drainage systems.
Common Causes of Basement Water Damage in Lake Forest. If you're spotting water in your basement this spring, here’s what may be behind it:
- Sump Pump Failure - Spring downpours can overwhelm outdated or underpowered sump pumps.
- Foundation Cracks - The freeze-thaw cycle over winter weakens foundation walls, allowing spring rain to seep in.
- Poor Yard Drainage - Properties near Everett or sloped lots often struggle with water pooling near foundations.
- Clogged Window Wells - Spring debris can block drains, leading to flooding during storms.
- Backed-Up Sewer Lines - Older homes near Lake Michigan sometimes face municipal sewer backups during major weather events.
Signs of Basement Water Damage You Shouldn't Ignore. Even if you don’t see standing water, warning signs include:
- Musty, damp odors
- Water stains on concrete or drywall
- Peeling paint or bubbling walls
- Mold or mildew along baseboards
- Warped wood floors near stairs or entries
How to Prevent Basement Flooding This Spring. Protect your property with these tips:
- Install or upgrade a battery backup sump pump
- Extend downspouts at least 6 feet from your home
- Keep gutters clear of leaves and debris
- Grade your yard away from the foundation
- Seal visible foundation cracks with professional epoxy
- Consider a flood sensor or smart water alarm in high-risk areas
Why Lake Forest Homes Are at Higher Risk: Lake Forest’s older housing stock and proximity to Lake Michigan make it uniquely vulnerable:
- Historic homes often have aged foundation materials and no vapor barriers.
- Low-lying areas near ravines or water features have natural drainage issues.
- Storm surges and heavy spring rainfall can exceed what outdated systems were built to handle.
What to Do if Your Basement Floods
- Turn off the electricity to the affected area (if safe).
- Avoid direct contact with the water — it may be contaminated.
- Photograph everything for insurance documentation.
- Call ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons immediately. Our IICRC-certified team responds fast to basement flood damage and serves Lake Forest 24/7.
Why Choose ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons in Lake Forest, IL?
We’re not just another restoration company — we’re Lake County’s most trusted name in water damage restoration. Here’s why:
- IICRC-Certified Master Restorers
- 24/7 response from our Glenview & Lake County teams
- Specializing in historic homes and high-end residences
- No outsourced labor — 100% vetted, insured technicians
- Serving Conway Farms, East Lake Forest, Everett, and more
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, 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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