We Want To Get You Back To Normal-FAST! We Restore Peace of Mind™- ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons – Flooding in Chicagoland
ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons reminds you that if your Chicagoland home isn’t near a lake or river or built on a floodplain, you may think it’s safe from flood damage. But unfortunately, that’s far from accurate. Every home that’s ever been built can experience flooding.
On average, only one inch of water can cause about $25,000 in damage to your property. So, if you don’t take proactive measures to stop flooding, you put your house in danger of long-term harm from water damage that can lead to big costs later. Here are six examples of how flooding can happen at home:
-
Sewer Flooding
A flood of sewage can be disastrous. It contains harmful bacteria, viruses, and parasites that can lead to various illnesses affecting the stomach, intestines, liver, and other sicknesses. If your basement floods with wastewater, it may be due to a break in your main sewer line caused by factors like tree root clogs, improper flushing items, or sewer pipe wear and tear. In such cases, a sewer line repair is essential.
Sewer flooding also happens in older houses with inadequate septic systems. To keep yours healthy, be careful about what you pour down the drain and have it pumped out every two to three years.
-
Heavy Rain/Snow
Rainwater can cause flooding inside houses, especially during severe Chicago area storms. Flooding often happens when rain or melting snow is on surfaces where water can’t permeate, like roofs and sidewalks. This causes the water to flow into unusual places, such as basements or crawlspaces, causing water damage.
Heavy rainfall often lets water seep into foundations and walls, spaces around utility lines, or gaps in windows and doors, resulting in water damage, such as mold growth, mildew smell, rotting materials, and weakening of your home’s structure. Overflowing gutters or damaged downspouts are often the causes of these problems. To help stop this flooding, seal your foundation and regularly clean your gutters. Ask a rain gutter expert to look for any possible damage.
-
Water Intrusion
Unseen water can flood your basement when rising groundwater leaches through small cracks in the foundation wall. Any area not sealed against moisture or lacking proper drainage is susceptible to water intrusion, including leaking roofs and leaky windows due to damaged or missing sealant or caulk.
The harm from basement flooding can be huge. If not addressed, it can damage the foundation, walls, and flooring and result in mold growth. Basement flooding can be costly to repair and may pose financial challenges for homeowners.
-
Broken Pipes
Burst pipes can result from Chicago’s freezing temperatures, old pipes, or high pressure, causing indoor flooding and water damage. This can happen with incoming water or drain pipes. Frozen pipes in empty homes are especially problematic.
-
Landscaping Issues
Poor grading or improperly located flowerbeds can redirect water toward a home’s foundation instead of away from it, leading to potential flooding. So, regrade your yard so that rainwater drains away from your home.
-
Household Appliance Malfunctions
When appliances like washing machines, dishwashers, or water heaters malfunction or leak, they can cause flooding in Chicagoland homes—especially if you’re away at the time. Intelligent water leak alarms connect to an app on your phone that lets you know a problem has occurred when you’re not home, resulting in less water damage.
How to Handle a Flooded Home
Adding your lost personal property, potential rental income loss, and increased home insurance rates to the total cost of a home flood makes the financial impact clear. Preventing a catastrophic home flood can be more straightforward and less costly than dealing with flood damage to your house.
But if your Chicagoland home does suffer from flood damage, call ServiceMaster By Simons immediately! Our quick response alleviates stress, saves money, and ensures thorough restoration using advanced techniques and equipment. We advocate for insurance coverage and guide you through the process so it’s not a financial burden on your property.
