Water Damage in Northbrook, Illinois: What Homeowners & Businesses Need to Know
Sam Simon
June 19, 2025Water damage is more common in Northbrook than many property owners realize—especially during spring rains and winter thaws. Whether you're a homeowner in a custom-built estate or manage a business along Dundee Road, this guide explains the leading causes of water damage in Northbrook, how to prevent it, and what to do when disaster strikes. ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons offers 24/7 expert cleanup across the North Shore and Northbrook.
Water Damage and Flood Damage in Northbrook, Illinois: What Homeowners and Businesses Need to Know
Northbrook is known for its beautiful homes, excellent schools, and close-knit community—but it's not immune to the risks that come with severe weather, aging infrastructure, and hidden plumbing problems. In fact, water damage in Northbrook, Illinois, is more common than many property owners realize, especially during spring rains and winter thaws.
Whether you're a homeowner in a $1.5M estate or manage a retail or office space along Dundee or Waukegan Road, understanding water damage risks—and how to respond—is essential to protecting your investment.
Why Water Damage Is a Serious Concern in Northbrook
Northbrook sits in a region of Cook County that experiences a wide range of water-related issues, from flash floods to sump pump failures. According to the National Centers for Environmental Information, Illinois sees an average of approximately 39 inches of precipitation annually, much of it falling during late spring and early summer.
Common causes of water damage in Northbrook include:
- Spring rain and flash flooding
- Frozen or burst pipes during winter
- Foundation seepage in older homes
- Overflowing sump pumps
- Appliance leaks (water heaters, dishwashers, washing machines)
- Sewer backups during heavy rainfall
Even a small leak can result in significant damage. FEMA estimates that just one inch of water can cause more than $25,000 in damage to a home. Source
Warning Signs of Water Damage
Water damage isn't always obvious. Here’s what to watch for in your home or business:
- Stains or discoloration on ceilings and walls
- Musty or damp odors, especially in basements
- Peeling paint or bubbling drywall
- Warped wood floors or lifting tiles
- Unusual increase in utility bills (a sign of hidden leaks)
- Repeated tripping of GFCI outlets near water lines
How to Protect Your Property from Water Damage and Flood Damage
Proactive maintenance can help reduce the risk of water damage in Northbrook homes and commercial buildings.
Smart prevention tips:
- Install and test a sump pump with battery backup
- Ensure gutters and downspouts are clear and pointed away from your foundation
- Seal cracks in your basement walls and floor
- Install water alarms in high-risk areas
- Insulate exposed pipes before winter
- Maintain your water heater and inspect plumbing annually
What to Do If You Discover Water Damage or Flood Damage
If you suspect or discover water damage, speed is critical. The longer moisture lingers, the greater the risk of mold, rot, and electrical hazards.
Here’s what to do immediately:
- Turn off the water source (if applicable)
- Shut off the electricity in affected areas
- Remove valuables and unplug electronics
- Document the damage for insurance
- Call a certified water damage restoration expert
Contact ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons for 24/7 Water Damage Help
Why Choose ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons in Northbrook
We are not a pop-up restoration company. ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons is a trusted name across Lake County and Northern Cook County, including Northbrook, offering IICRC-certified water damage restoration services for both homes and businesses.
Our comprehensive services include:
- Emergency water extraction
- Moisture detection with thermal imaging
- Structural drying and dehumidification
- Sanitizing and microbial prevention
- Content cleaning and pack-out
- Full reconstruction and repairs
- Direct insurance billing
Want to see our full water damage process? Read our Water Damage Restoration Service Overview
Trusted by Northbrook’s Most Discerning Property Owners
Whether you live in a historic home near Shermer Road or manage a commercial facility off Techny, we know how to respond to your property’s unique needs. Our team is discreet, professional, and committed to restoring your peace of mind—fast.
Proudly Serving Northbrook, Glenview, Deerfield, Highland Park & Surrounding Areas.
Call 24/7 for Immediate Water Damage Help: (847)-316-9145
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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