Understanding the Different Types of Water Damage in Chicagoland Homes

Water damage is one of the most common and costly problems for homeowners across Chicagoland, from historic Chicago neighborhoods to North Shore suburbs like Wilmette, Evanston, Glenview, and Winnetka, and out to Lake County and DuPage County.

For more than 40 years, ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons has been helping local families recover from burst pipes, basement floods, and storm damage. And our roots run even deeper — ServiceMaster was founded in Chicago in 1929 and has grown into the nation’s oldest restoration company. That legacy, combined with our local experience, makes us uniquely qualified to help Chicagoland homeowners understand and respond to water damage.

The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) developed the S500 Standard, which classifies water damage by Category (source of contamination) and Class (extent of saturation) IICRC. Understanding these classifications can help you protect your family’s health, support your insurance claim, and speed up restoration.

The 3 Categories of Water Damage

Category 1: Clean Water

• Sources: Broken supply lines, tub or sink overflows, appliance malfunctions.
• Example: Burst pipe during a winter freeze in Evanston.
• Risks: Initially safe, but can deteriorate into Category 2 or 3 within 24–48 hours if not dried EPA.

Category 2: Gray Water

• Sources: Dishwasher leaks, washing machine overflows, sump pump failures.
• Example: Washing machine overflow in a Wilmette basement seeping into carpet and drywall.
• Risks: Contains contaminants that can cause illness if ingested or contacted. Requires professional drying and disinfection.

Category 3: Black Water

• Sources: Sewage backups, storm surges, floodwater from Lake Michigan.
• Example: Skokie homeowner with a sewage backup in their basement after heavy rains.
• Risks: Heavily contaminated. Exposure can lead to serious health issues. Porous materials like carpet, drywall, and mattresses must be discarded FEMA.

The 4 Classes of Water Damage

While categories describe where water comes from, classes describe how far it spreads and how much material is affected.

1. Class 1: Small area, minimal absorption. (Example: spilled water on a small carpet section in Oak Park.)
2. Class 2: Significant spread into carpet, subfloor, and drywall. (Example: flooded basement in Glenview.)
3. Class 3: Water saturates ceilings, walls, insulation, and flooring. (Example: burst pipe in a Wilmette second-floor bathroom flooding rooms below.)
4. Class 4: Water deeply saturates dense materials like hardwood, plaster, or concrete. (Example: Glenview home with trapped moisture beneath hardwood and a second concrete slab.)

Why Classification Matters for Chicagoland Homeowners

• Insurance Coverage: Some policies cover burst pipes (Category 1) but exclude sewage backups (Category 3). The Insurance Information Institute (III) notes that coverage often depends on how the water damage began III.
• Health & Safety: Black water damage poses biohazard risks. Mold can begin growing within 24–48 hours EPA.
• Restoration Process: A small Class 1/Category 1 incident may only require drying. Class 4/Category 3 incidents typically need demolition, sanitization, and reconstruction.

Real Chicagoland Examples

• Wilmette: Burst pipe in Kenilworth Gardens home, classified as Category 1/Class 2 → flooring removal and structural drying.
• Skokie: Sewage backup in basement laundry room, Category 3/Class 3 → full drywall and carpet removal plus sanitation with negative air containment.
• Glenview: Hardwood buckling from hidden moisture, Category 1 → escalated to Class 4 → required desiccant dehumidifiers and specialty drying.
• Naperville: Finished basement sump pump failure, Category 2/Class 3 → water extraction, mold remediation, and carpet replacement.

What to Do Immediately if You Discover Water Damage

1. Stop the source (shut off main water valve if possible).
2. Turn off power if water is near outlets or electrical appliances.
3. Document everything with photos and video for your insurance claim.
4. Avoid contaminated areas — especially sewage or floodwater.
5. Call a certified professional immediately — time is critical.

Why Work With ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons

Choosing the right partner matters when your home is on the line.

• Nation’s Oldest Restoration Company: ServiceMaster was founded in Chicago in 1929.
• 40+ Years of Local Service: Our family-owned franchise has restored homes and businesses across Chicago, the North Shore, Lake County, and DuPage for decades.
• Certified Expertise: IICRC Master Fire & Water Restorer — the highest credential in the industry.
• Industry Leadership: Proud members of the Restoration Industry Association (RIA).
• National Recognition: 2025 Inc. 5000 Honoree, BBB Torch Award winner, Chicago Star Award recipient.
• Educational Leaders: Co-authors of RESTORE: A Complete Guide to Protecting Your Home As Your Most Valuable Asset (Amazon link).

📞 For 24/7 emergency service, call (773) 376-1110 for Chicago or (847) 316-9145 for North Shore & Lake County.

Our Services

ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons provides full-service disaster restoration for homes and businesses across Chicagoland:

• Water Damage Restoration
• Fire Damage Restoration
• Mold Remediation
• Specialty Cleaning
• Commercial Restoration
• Storm Damage Cleanup
• Content Cleaning & Packout
• Hoarding & Biohazard Cleanup
• Reconstruction Services

Frequently Asked Questions About Water Damage in Chicagoland Homes

Q1: What are the 3 categories of water damage?
A1: The IICRC S500 Standard defines three categories: Category 1 (clean water), Category 2 (gray water), and Category 3 (black water). These classifications are based on the contamination source and health risks IICRC.

Q2: What are the 4 classes of water damage?
A2: Classes describe how much material is affected: Class 1 (small area), Class 2 (significant spread), Class 3 (saturated ceilings/walls/floors), and Class 4 (deep saturation in dense materials like hardwood or concrete).

Q3: Does homeowners insurance cover water damage in Illinois?
A3: Most policies cover sudden, accidental incidents such as burst pipes. However, many exclude sewage backups or external flooding unless you purchase add-on coverage III.

Q4: How fast can mold grow after water damage?
A4: Mold can begin forming within 24 to 48 hours after water damage if moisture isn’t removed EPA.

Q5: Where can I find ServiceMaster near me for water damage cleanup?
A5: ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons provides 24/7 emergency service across Chicagoland. Whether you need ServiceMaster near Chicago, Skokie, Evanston, Wilmette, Glenview, Lake Forest, or Oak Park, our certified team is ready to help. Call (773) 376-1110 in Chicago or (847) 316-9145 in the North Shore and Lake County.