
Sewage Cleanup in Chicago’s North Shore (24/7 Emergency Service)

Sam Simon
September 4, 2025Emergency sewage cleanup for Chicago’s North Shore—Winnetka, Glencoe, Lake Forest, Evanston & more. IICRC-certified, 24/7 response for black water/sewer backups.
If you’re dealing with a sewage backup in the North Shore, you need fast, professional help—now. Raw sewage (Category 3 “black water”) is a serious health hazard that can contaminate building materials, contents, and HVAC systems in hours. Whether it’s a basement backup in Winnetka, a sump pump failure in Lake Forest, or storm-related overflow in Evanston, our IICRC-certified team restores your home safely, discreetly, and fast.
At ServiceMaster By Simons – North Shore, we’ve provided sewage cleanup across Chicago’s North Shore for decades. We respond 24/7 with trained, uniformed technicians who follow industry standards and protect your home with white-glove care.
Emergency Sewage Cleanup North Shore IL — Why It Can’t Wait
Sewage contains pathogens, chemicals, and aerosols that spread quickly. The longer it sits, the more likely you’ll face:
- Cross-contamination into clean areas
- Permanent damage to floors, walls, and contents
- Odors that are difficult (and costly) to remove
- Mold growth fueled by high moisture and organic load
Professional sewage backup cleanup in the North Shore mitigates risk immediately and helps preserve insurance coverage.
What Causes Sewer Backups in North Shore Homes?
Common triggers we see in North Shore IL homes include:
- Aging sewer laterals & tree root intrusions
- Heavy rain & overburdened municipal systems
- Failed sump or ejector pumps
- Clogged drains & household plumbing failures
Homes near mature trees and older infrastructure—think East Wilmette, Skokie Ridge (Glencoe), or Evanston’s Ridge Historic District—are especially vulnerable.
Don’t DIY Sewage Cleanup — Health & Insurance Risks
DIY attempts can aerosolize contaminants and push black water deeper into building materials. Insurers may also deny parts of a claim if proper, professional mitigation isn’t documented. Choose a certified provider that follows IICRC S500 and OSHA-compliant procedures.
Our IICRC-Certified Sewage Cleanup Process
A proven, step-by-step protocol for sewer backup cleanup in the North Shore:
1) Emergency Response & Containment
We arrive 24/7, establish containment, and protect clean areas to prevent spread.
2) Extraction & Disposal
Commercial extraction of all standing sewage; waste handled per regulatory guidelines.
3) Disinfection & Sanitization
Targeted cleaning and EPA-registered antimicrobials applied to affected structural surfaces and salvageable contents.
4) Structural Drying
High-capacity dehumidifiers and air movers reduce moisture to safe levels, preventing secondary damage.
5) Odor Removal
HEPA air filtration and deodorization (e.g., hydroxyl/ozone where appropriate) eliminate lingering sewage odors.
6) Final Verification
Moisture mapping and (optional) third-party clearance testing to confirm safe conditions.
Sewage Cleanup Near Me — North Shore Areas We Serve
We provide emergency sewage cleanup (24/7) throughout Chicago’s North Shore and nearby suburbs:
- Winnetka sewage cleanup (Hubbard Woods, Indian Hill)
- Glencoe sewage cleanup (Skokie Ridge, Downtown)
- Lake Forest sewer backup cleanup (Conway Farms, East Lake Forest)
- Evanston basement sewage cleanup (Ridge District, Dempster Corridor)
- Wilmette toilet overflow cleanup
- Northbrook sewage backup cleanup
- Glenview emergency sewage cleanup (24/7)
- Highland Park black water cleanup
- Kenilworth sewage cleanup
- Deerfield sewer backup cleanup
Based in Skokie, IL, our crews reach you fast with fully equipped service vehicles and protective containment.
Why North Shore Homeowners Choose ServiceMaster By Simons
- IICRC-Certified Technicians with advanced training in black water remediation
- Discreet, white-glove service for high-end residential properties
- Decades of local experience across Lake, Cook, and DuPage Counties
- Award-winning, MBE/WBE-certified firm with rigorous quality controls
- Help with insurance documentation (photos, moisture logs, itemization)
Related Services
- Water Damage Restoration – fast extraction, drying, and repairs
https://servicemaster-restorationbysimons.com/restoration-services/residential/water
- Mold Remediation – inspection, containment, removal, and prevention
https://servicemaster-restorationbysimons.com/restoration-services/mold
- Specialty Cleaning (Odor & Disinfection) – deodorization, HEPA filtration, and sanitization
https://servicemaster-restorationbysimons.com/specialty-cleaning-services
FAQ — Sewage Backup Cleanup in the North Shore
Does homeowners insurance cover sewage backup cleanup in the North Shore?
Often yes, if you carry a sewer backup rider. We’ll document the loss (photos, moisture readings, scope) to support your claim.
How fast can you provide emergency sewage cleanup in North Shore IL?
We’re available 24/7. Typical arrival windows are rapid, depending on conditions and call volume.
What’s the difference between sewage backup cleanup and black water cleanup?
They’re effectively the same here—Category 3 “black water” includes raw sewage and any water with significant contamination.
Is DIY sewer backup cleanup safe for a basement?
No. Black water exposure is hazardous. DIY can spread contaminants and jeopardize parts of your claim.
How long does professional sewage cleanup take in Winnetka/Glencoe/Evanston?
Most projects take 1–3 days, depending on square footage, saturation level, materials, and drying goals.
24/7 Emergency Sewage Cleanup — North Shore IL
Call now: (847) 316-9145 (North Shore/Lake County) or (773) 376-1110 (Chicago).
We provide sewage backup cleanup in the North Shore with certified crews, industrial equipment, and respectful service—so you can get your home back, safely and quickly.
About the Author
Sam Simon is the owner of ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons, a multi-award-winning disaster restoration company serving Chicago and the North Shore. With 30+ years of experience and IICRC Master credentials, Sam specializes in water damage, mold remediation, fire recovery, and sewage cleanup. He co-authored RESTORE: A Complete Guide to Protecting Your Home As Your Most Valuable Asset and leads one of Chicagoland’s most trusted restoration teams.
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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Flooded basement? Burst pipe? Don’t wait—water damage spreads fast. ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons provides 24/7 emergency water damage cleanup for Chicagoland and North Shore homes. With 40+ years of local expertise and IICRC-certified crews, we’ll protect your property and start the restoration immediately.

