Wet Basement in Chicagoland? Don’t Panic — Act Fast to Protect Your Home

Nasutsa Mabwa

June 24, 2025

Discover water in your basement? Don’t panic — but don’t delay. Learn what steps to take immediately, how to prevent future flooding, and when to call in the pros at ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons for fast, thorough restoration.

A Wet Basement: What You Need to Know

Imagine heading downstairs to do laundry or grab something from storage — only to step into water at the bottom of your stairs. It’s a scenario no homeowner wants to face, but it’s more common than you might think. According to industry data, 98% of basements will experience water intrusion at some point.

The good news? A wet basement doesn’t have to mean disaster — if you act fast.

First Steps When You Discover Water in Your Basement

Stay safe: If you see standing water, do not walk into it until the electricity to that area is shut off at the breaker box. Water and electricity are a dangerous combination.
Identify the source: Is it a burst pipe? Failed sump pump? Sewer backup? Heavy rain? If the source isn’t obvious, call a plumber immediately.
Stop the flow: Once the source is identified, take steps to stop further water intrusion. This could mean shutting off your home’s main water valve or addressing drainage issues outside.
Call professionals: The faster water is removed and drying begins, the less damage your home will suffer.

Why Speed Matters

Delaying action can lead to:

Structural damage — Water can weaken foundations, walls, and flooring.
Mold growth — Mold can start in as little as 24 to 48 hours.
Contaminated air and surfaces — Especially if the water came from sewers or outside flooding.

How to Prevent Basement Water Problems

While no solution is foolproof, prevention helps minimize risk. Consider:

Interior waterproofing: Seal foundation cracks, apply waterproof coatings, and install French drains or sump pumps.
Exterior waterproofing: Ensure proper grading around your home, install gutters and downspouts, and consider external drainage systems.
Routine maintenance: Test your sump pump regularly, clean gutters, and check for leaks around windows and doors.

How ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons Handles Wet Basement Cleanup

Our team responds 24/7 across Chicago, Oak Park, River Forest, Skokie, Evanston, Wilmette, Northbrook, Highland Park, Lake Forest, Deerfield, and surrounding areas.

Here’s what we do:

Extract water using industrial vacuums and pumps
Deploy commercial air movers and dehumidifiers to dry surfaces and air
Clean and sanitize to prevent mold and bacteria growth
Provide documentation to support insurance claims

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How soon should I call for help after finding water in my basement?
A: Immediately. Quick action limits damage, speeds drying, and can prevent mold.

Q: Can I clean up basement flooding myself?
A: For minor leaks, yes. But large flooding, contaminated water (such as from sewers), or long-standing moisture should be handled by professionals.

Q: Does insurance cover basement water damage?
A: It depends on the cause. Sudden, accidental water events (like burst pipes) are typically covered. Groundwater or seepage often isn’t — check your policy.

Q: How long does basement drying take?
A: Typically 3-7 days depending on the extent of flooding, materials affected, and how quickly mitigation begins.

About ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons

ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons is a locally owned, award-winning disaster restoration and specialty cleaning firm. Part of the nation’s oldest restoration brand — founded in Chicago in 1929 — we bring more than 40 years of local expertise serving homeowners and businesses in Chicago, the North Shore, and Lake County.

Our IICRC-certified team specializes in:

We are proud recipients of the 2020 BBB Torch Award for Ethics, the 2020 Skokie Business of the Year Honorable Mention, and the SB100 Best of Small Business Award 2021.

Explore more tips in our book: RESTORE: A Complete Guide to Protecting Your Home As Your Most Valuable Asset
Call us at 773-376-1110 or visit ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons

Nasutsa Mabwa is the CEO and co-owner of ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons, a certified MBE/WBE firm proudly serving Cook, DuPage, and Lake Counties in Illinois. Under her leadership, the company has become one of Chicagoland’s most trusted providers of disaster restoration services, including water and flood damage restoration, fire and smoke damage cleanup, and mold remediation for residential and commercial clients.

A recognized civic and business leader, Nasutsa is a recipient of the 2020 Daily Herald Business Ledger C-Suite Award, a Crain’s Chicago Business 40 Under 40 honoree, and a 2018 ServiceMaster® Achiever Award recipient. She currently serves as a Civic Federation Board Member, an Advisory Board Member, and is the Past President of the Executive Committee for the Evanston Chamber of Commerce. She is a proud member of the WPO - Women's President Organization.

Nasutsa holds IICRC certifications in Water Damage Restoration (WRT) and Fire & Smoke Restoration (FSRT), bringing both strategic leadership and technical expertise to every project.

She is also the co-author of RESTORE: A Complete Guide to Protecting Your Home As Your Most Valuable Asset from Water and Fire Disasters — a practical, accessible book for homeowners based on real-world experience in the restoration industry.

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