Frozen Pipes Are Causing a Surge in Water Damage in Skokie Homes — Here’s What We’re Seeing

Over the past two weeks, our team at ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons – North Shore has responded to a noticeable increase in residential water damage emergencies in Skokie, Illinois. The overwhelming cause: frozen pipes, particularly in kitchens and bathrooms.

This isn’t theoretical or seasonal filler. This is based on active job volume we’re seeing right now in Skokie homes — many of them occupied, many of them older, and many of them caught off guard by how fast frozen-pipe damage can spread once temperatures fluctuate.

Why Kitchens and Bathrooms Are Failing First

In many Skokie homes, kitchen and bathroom plumbing is routed through:

• Exterior walls
• Sink cabinets with little airflow
• Vanity bases on cold-facing sides of the home
• Older copper or mixed-material supply lines

During extended cold snaps, water inside these pipes freezes and expands. Often, the pipe doesn’t burst immediately. Instead, it cracks. When temperatures rise — sometimes days later — pressurized water escapes rapidly.

That’s why many homeowners tell us:

• “Everything seemed fine until suddenly it wasn’t.”
• “We didn’t notice anything until water came through the ceiling.”
• “The cabinet floor was soaked overnight.”

By the time we arrive, water has often already reached drywall, subfloors, insulation, and adjacent rooms.

What We’re Seeing Inside Skokie Homes Right Now

The recent pattern is consistent:

• Residential losses only
• Kitchen sink lines, dishwasher feeds, and bathroom supply lines
• Sudden water releases, not slow leaks
• Damage spreading beyond the visible wet area

Kitchen and bathroom losses are especially disruptive because they affect daily-use spaces, often forcing families to relocate temporarily if cleanup and drying aren’t handled correctly.

Why Frozen Pipe Water Damage Escalates So Quickly

Water doesn’t stop at what you can see. It follows gravity, capillary action, and framing cavities. Without professional drying:

• Moisture stays trapped behind cabinets and walls
• Mold risk increases
• Flooring, cabinetry, and finishes deteriorate
• Insurance claims become more complicated

Proper restoration is about measuring, documenting, and controlling moisture, not just setting up fans.

What To Do Immediately If a Pipe Freezes or Bursts

If you suspect a frozen pipe or active water damage:

1. Shut off your main water supply
2. Avoid using electrical outlets or appliances in wet areas
3. Call a professional water damage restoration company immediately

Waiting even 24 hours can significantly increase the scope — and cost — of repairs.

Frequently Asked Questions About Frozen Pipe Water Damage in Skokie

How quickly can frozen pipe damage spread?
In many cases, damage spreads within hours. Kitchens and bathrooms often have multiple layers of materials that trap moisture.

Will homeowners insurance cover frozen pipe damage?
Most policies cover sudden and accidental pipe bursts, but coverage depends on documentation and response time. We assist homeowners by documenting damage properly for claims.

Do I need professional drying if the water looks minimal?
Yes. Water often travels behind walls and under flooring. Visible water is rarely the full extent of the damage.

How long does the drying process take?
Most residential drying projects take 3–5 days, depending on materials affected and how quickly service begins.

Can frozen pipes happen even if the heat is on?
Yes. Pipes in exterior walls, cabinets, or uninsulated areas can freeze even in heated homes.

Local Experience Matters in Skokie Water Damage Restoration

ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons has served Skokie, the North Shore, and greater Chicagoland for over 40 years locally, backed by ServiceMaster’s founding in Chicago in 1929. We understand how homes in this area are built — and where they fail during extreme cold.

Our leadership team includes Sam Simon, IICRC Master Fire & Water Restorer, the industry’s highest certification.

Awards & Affiliations

• 2025 Inc. 5000 Honoree
• BBB Torch Award for Ethics
• Stevie® Award for Business Excellence
• SB100 Best of Small Business Award
• Restoration Industry Association (RIA) Member
• IICRC Certified Firm

Our Residential Restoration Services

All services are provided by certified technicians and available 24/7:

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

Learn More: Protecting Your Home Before Disaster Strikes

If you want a deeper understanding of how water and fire damage impact homes — and how to protect your most valuable asset — Sam Simon co-authored
RESTORE: A Complete Guide to Protecting Your Home As Your Most Valuable Asset, available here:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1952779529

Call Now for Frozen Pipe Water Damage in Skokie

If your kitchen or bathroom has water damage — or you’ve experienced a frozen or burst pipe — don’t wait.

Fast response limits damage, protects your home, and simplifies insurance recovery.

Call ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons – North Shore at (847) 316-9145 for emergency water damage cleanup in Skokie today.