Preventing Future Water Damage: Tips for Chicagoland Homeowners

About ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons (Why This Guide)

Founded in Chicago in 1929, ServiceMaster has helped local homeowners recover from water damage for nearly a century. ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons is your Chicago & North Shore team—IICRC-certified, RIA member, and on call 24/7 for water damage restoration, mold remediation, specialty cleaning, and reconstruction.
Call: Chicago (773) 376-1110 • North Shore/Lake County (847) 316-9145 • Address: 420 W. Huron Street, Chicago, IL 60654

New here? First understand the Types of Water Damage in Chicagoland Homes (categories/classes). If you already have a loss, jump to Water Damage Cleanup & Drying Process.

1) Basement & Foundation: Keep Water Out (Outside-In)

Basements are Chicagoland’s #1 entry point for water. Start outdoors, then inside.

Outside

• Gutters & downspouts: Keep them clean so roof runoff moves away from the house (EPA + Ready.gov). US EPA+1
• Grading: Ensure visible slope away from the foundation; codes and building guides call for sloping surfaces away from the home to shed water. Building America Solution Center
• Sewer backflow protection: Ask a licensed plumber about a backwater (check) valve to stop municipal surges from entering your basement. FEMA/Ready recommend this mitigation. Ready.gov+1

Inside

• Sump pump + battery backup: Test monthly; simulate a power outage to confirm the battery takes over (Ready.gov). Ready.gov
• Seal penetrations & insulate cold lines that sweat in summer.
• If finishing a basement, prefer flood-tolerant materials and keep drywall off the slab.

2) How to Stop Leaks in the Home (10-Minute Weekly Routine)

Most “quiet” water claims come from non-weather leaks. A quick circuit each week catches small problems early.

• Kitchen & baths: Open sink cabinets; feel supply lines and shutoffs for moisture/corrosion rings.
• Appliances: Replace washer hoses (braided stainless is best) every 5–7 years; check fridge ice-maker and dishwasher lines; look at the water heater pan/valve. IBHS and insurer materials highlight these as common claim sources. IBHS+1
• Ceilings under bathrooms: Watch for stains, bubbling paint, musty odor.
• Exercise shutoffs (main + fixture) twice a year so they work during emergencies.
• Document: Date-stamped phone photos help with claims proof.

3) Burst-Pipe Prevention (Winter Playbook for the North Shore & City)

When arctic blasts hit, exposed plumbing is at risk.

• Keep heat steady (~55°F+): Avoid deep setbacks; open sink cabinets on exterior walls; let strategic faucets drip during extreme cold (IBHS, Red Cross). IBHS+1
• Insulate & air-seal: Foam sleeves for pipes in garages, crawlspaces, and attics; seal penetrations and sill plates.
• Exterior prep: Disconnect hoses and drain outdoor bibs before freezes (Red Cross). Red Cross
• Backup power: Consider safe generator/backup to keep heat on during outages (FORTIFIED/IBHS). FORTIFIED - A Program of IBHS

If a pipe freezes: Shut the main, open faucets, and warm pipes with safe, indirect heat—never an open flame—then call a licensed plumber and our team for moisture inspection/drying. (EPA notes mold can begin within 24–48 hours if materials stay wet.) US EPA

4) Attic & Roof: Stop Hidden Water Overhead

• Roof/flashings: Inspect after wind events; fix lifted shingles and cracked pipe boots.
• Ice dams: Improve soffit/ridge ventilation and attic insulation; air-seal ceiling penetrations to keep the attic cold/dry.
• Bath fans: Must vent outside (not into the attic).
• Attic HVAC/plumbing: Use overflow pans with wet switches; where feasible, tie critical switches to auto-shutoff at the main.

5) Smart Sensors & Auto-Shutoff (High-ROI Protection)

Place leak sensors (“pucks”) under sinks, behind fridges, near washers, at water heaters, by HVAC condensate pans, and beside sump pits. Pair sensors with a whole-home automatic shutoff on the main line.

• Insurer/industry data show large reductions in non-weather water losses where in-line auto-shutoff is installed (studies citing up to ~93–96% fewer events/losses). AM Best News+1

6) Seasonal Prevention Checklist (Clip & Use)

Spring – Clean gutters/downspouts; confirm proper discharge away from foundation; test sump + battery. US EPA+1
Summer – Check irrigation overspray; insulate sweating cold lines; clear A/C condensate drains/pan switch.
Fall – Roof & flashing check; disconnect hoses; drain exterior bibs. Red Cross
Winter – Open cabinets, drip key faucets, keep interior doors open for even heat. IBHS+1

When to Call ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons

Call us immediately if you find standing water, a failed sump, a suspected sewer backup, or hidden moisture (walls/floors/ceilings).

• 24/7 Emergency: Chicago (773) 376-1110 • North Shore/Lake County (847) 316-9145
• Addresses: 420 W. Huron Street, Chicago, IL 60654 • 8124 Ridgeway Ave, Skokie, IL 60076 • 790 Estate Dr Ste 200, Deerfield, IL 60015
• Popular services: Water Damage Restoration • Mold Remediation • Specialty Cleaning • Reconstruction Services

FAQs — Preventing Water Damage in Chicagoland

Q1: What single habit prevents most basement leaks?
Keep gutters/downspouts clear and ensure grading slopes away from the foundation (EPA; building best practices). US EPA+1

Q2: How often should I test my sump pump?
Monthly—lift the float or pour water into the pit, and confirm the battery backup takes over during an unplug test (Ready.gov). Ready.gov

Q3: Do I really need to drip faucets during deep freezes?
Yes—especially for exterior-wall lines or unheated spaces; combine with open cabinets and steady heat (IBHS, Red Cross). IBHS+1

Q4: Are leak sensors and auto-shutoff valves worth it?
Yes. Insurance studies associate automatic main-line shutoff with large drops in water-damage events/losses (AM Best; LexisNexis). AM Best News+1

Q5: How fast can mold start after a leak?
Often 24–48 hours if materials remain wet (EPA). US EPA

Q6: Why choose ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons?
We’re Chicago-based, IICRC-certified, RIA member, and available 24/7. We handle extraction, structural drying, sanitation, contents, and rebuild—with documentation for your insurer.

Internal Links to Add On-Page

• Water Damage Restoration
• Mold Remediation
• Specialty Cleaning
• Reconstruction Services
• Types of Water Damage in Chicagoland Homes
• Water Damage Cleanup & Drying Process