Why DIY Water Damage Cleanup Can Backfire — A Warning for Chicagoland Homeowners

Nasutsa Mabwa

July 2, 2025

Attempting DIY water or mold cleanup to save a few dollars can end up costing you thousands. Learn why professional restoration is not optional in serious cases — especially in Lake, DuPage, and Northern Cook County homes and businesses.

The Rise of DIY — And Its Hidden Risks

From YouTube tutorials to HGTV makeovers, DIY culture is booming. It’s empowering and often cost-effective — until you’re facing a flooded basement, soaked drywall, or hidden mold in your Evanston or Naperville home.

In recent years, homeowners across Chicago, Lake County, DuPage County, and the North Shore have attempted to tackle major restoration jobs themselves. But when it comes to water damage, mold remediation, or sewage cleanup, the risks of DIY far outweigh the benefits.

If you’re wondering when DIY is not a good idea, here’s a rule of thumb:

If your situation is severe enough to file an insurance claim, it’s too severe for DIY.

5 Reasons Why DIY Water Damage Restoration Can Backfire

1. You Can Miss Hidden Moisture

Water doesn’t just sit on the surface. It seeps into subfloors, creeps behind walls, and saturates insulation. DIY fans with a shop vac and some towels won’t reach these areas — and what’s left behind can cause:

Rotting studs and joists
Damaged electrical systems
Mold growth within 24–48 hours

Professionals use infrared cameras and hygrometers to detect hidden moisture. Without this, you’re guessing.

2. Warped Floors and Damaged Materials

In neighborhoods like Glenview, Oak Brook, or Wilmette, we often see beautiful hardwood floors ruined after a failed DIY drying attempt. When water penetrates wood:

Planks swell, buckle, and warp
Subfloors weaken or delaminate
Materials may become unsalvageable

Professionals can often save flooring if called promptly. Delay — or do-it-yourself — and replacement is the only option.

3. Mold Is Almost Inevitable

One of the biggest risks of incomplete DIY drying is mold. Mold thrives in:

Basements in Highland Park and Skokie
Bathrooms with plumbing leaks in Wheaton
Walls and insulation affected by roof leaks

Once mold takes hold, it becomes a health risk — especially for asthma sufferers, children, and immunocompromised residents. Worse, improper handling of mold by untrained individuals can cause spores to spread throughout your home.

4. You Could Void Your Insurance Coverage

Insurance adjusters aren’t fond of DIY. If they determine that secondary damage was caused by your failed attempt at cleanup, your claim could be reduced — or denied altogether.

“Damage caused by improper homeowner remediation may not be covered under your policy.” – Illinois Insurance Fact Sheet

Leave it to certified professionals. ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons is IICRC-certified and fully insured.

5. You May Put Yourself in Danger

Floodwater and sewage-contaminated water are classified as Category 2 or 3 water by the IICRC — meaning they pose serious health hazards.

DIY efforts often expose untrained homeowners to:

Bacteria and viruses
Airborne mold spores
Contaminants absorbed in porous materials

Our technicians use full PPE, containment barriers, air scrubbers, and proper disposal methods — tools and training no weekend warrior has on hand.

Common DIY Scenarios That Often Go Wrong

“I’ll just dry out the carpet myself.”

Moisture wicks into the padding and subfloor. Without professional drying, mold begins within 48 hours.

“I cut away the wet drywall and patched it up.”

You likely missed the moisture inside the framing — mold will grow behind your patch job.

“I sprayed bleach on mold I found in my basement.”

Bleach only kills mold on hard, non-porous surfaces. It does nothing on drywall or wood — and can cause mold to release more spores.

Know When to Call a Professional — and Who to Call

If you live in Chicago, Lake County, DuPage County, or Northern Cook County and are facing any of the following, DIY is NOT recommended:

Water has soaked walls, floors, or ceilings
You see or smell musty odors
The damage came from a storm, burst pipe, or sewer backup
You’re filing a homeowners insurance claim
You’re concerned about mold, structural issues, or odor

ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons has over 40 years of trusted service in Chicagoland. Our team holds the industry’s highest credentials, including IICRC Master Water Restorer and RIA membership. We respond fast, dry thoroughly, and help with documentation for your insurance claim.

Areas We Serve

We proudly restore homes and businesses across:

North Shore: Wilmette, Glencoe, Evanston, Northbrook, Highland Park
Lake County: Lake Forest, Lake Bluff, Waukegan, Vernon Hills, Gurnee
Northern Cook County: Skokie, Glenview, Lincolnwood, Park Ridge
DuPage County: Elmhurst, Oak Brook, Wheaton, Downers Grove, Hinsdale
Chicago: From the Loop to Rogers Park, Logan Square, and beyond

What You Get With Professional Water Damage Restoration

Certified technicians (IICRC, OSHA)
Industrial drying equipment
Moisture mapping and monitoring
Safe mold and odor removal
Documentation for insurance
Structural and content restoration

Don’t Risk It — Read RESTORE: A Complete Guide to Protecting Your Home

Written by Sam Simon, co-owner of ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons, this guide covers everything homeowners need to know about water, fire, and mold damage.

Available on Amazon

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the biggest risk of DIY water damage cleanup?

Missing hidden moisture, which leads to mold, rot, or structural issues.

Can I use bleach to kill mold myself?

Not effectively. Bleach doesn't penetrate porous surfaces like drywall and wood.

Will insurance cover damage caused by my DIY attempt?

Not likely. Insurance may deny coverage if your actions worsen the damage.

When should I call a professional?

Call immediately if water touches walls, enters flooring, comes from sewage, or smells musty.

Don’t Wait. Call the Pros at ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons

If you’re dealing with water, flood, or mold damage in Chicagoland, skip the risk — and call the experts.

View Our Locations
Chicago: (773) 376-1110
Lake County: (847) 316-9145
DuPage County: (312) 818-8688
🌐 servicemaster-restorationbysimons.com

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About ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons

Founded in Chicago and backed by the nation’s oldest restoration brand (est. 1929), ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons has over 40 years of local expertise. Our team includes IICRC Master Restorers and is proud to be MBE/WBE certified. We serve homeowners and businesses across Lake County, North Shore, DuPage, and Northern Cook County, providing 24/7 response for water, fire, mold, and specialty cleaning services.

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.

Subscribe now for expert tips, rapid-response insights, and restoration guidance delivered straight to your inbox. Whether you’re recovering from fire, water, or mold damage, stay prepared with advice from the trusted pros at ServiceMaster Restoration by Simons.