
Why You Should Call a Water Damage Restoration Professional in Chicago

Nasutsa Mabwa
June 24, 2025When water damage strikes, don’t take chances. Learn why calling a certified professional is the smartest move to protect your property, health, and wallet.
When water damage strikes your home or business, it’s tempting to grab a mop or wet vacuum and handle the situation yourself. But water damage is more complex — and dangerous — than it may appear. For property owners across Chicago, Oak Park, River Forest, Skokie, Evanston, Wilmette, Northbrook, Highland Park, and Lake Forest, calling a certified water damage restoration professional is the safest, most effective choice.
Here’s why.
1. Professionals Use Advanced Equipment That Homeowners Can’t Access
Water can seep deep into walls, floors, and hidden cavities. Professional teams like ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons use specialized equipment designed to extract moisture completely and prevent long-term damage:
- Truck-mounted extraction units: Remove large volumes of water rapidly, helping prevent structural damage.
- LGR and desiccant dehumidifiers: Pull gallons of moisture from the air daily, even in extreme conditions.
- Intra-wall drying systems: Dry behind walls without tearing them apart.
- Floor mat systems: Salvage hardwood floors that would otherwise be destroyed.
- High-velocity air movers: Accelerate evaporation to stop water damage in its tracks.
2. Faster Drying Prevents Mold, Structural Damage, and Costly Repairs
Water left untreated can:
- Lead to mold growth within 24-48 hours, creating health hazards
- Weaken drywall, flooring, and framing
- Warp hardwoods and ruin finishes
- Cause hidden damage that worsens over time
Our IICRC-certified technicians ensure your property is thoroughly dried and safe — protecting your investment and your family’s health.
3. Professional Documentation Supports Your Insurance Claim
Without proper documentation, it can be difficult to prove the extent of water damage for insurance purposes. A professional restoration team will:
- Capture photos and videos of all damage
- Provide moisture readings and detailed reports
- Work directly with your insurance adjuster to streamline your claim
This helps ensure you get the coverage you deserve.
The Value of Choosing ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons
ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons has provided water damage cleanup and restoration for over 40 years across Chicagoland and the North Shore. We offer:
- 24/7 emergency response
- IICRC-certified teams
- Advanced drying technology
- Compassionate, professional service
We proudly serve residential and commercial properties in Chicago, Oak Park, River Forest, Skokie, Evanston, Wilmette, Northbrook, Highland Park, Lake Forest, Deerfield, and surrounding communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How quickly should I call a professional after water damage?
A: Immediately. The faster mitigation begins, the more you can minimize damage, prevent mold, and support your insurance claim.
Q: Can I handle water cleanup myself?
A: Small spills are fine, but significant water damage requires specialized equipment and expertise to prevent hidden issues and health hazards.
Q: Will insurance cover water damage restoration?
A: Most policies cover sudden and accidental water damage (like from burst pipes). We assist with documentation and claims support.
Q: What areas do you serve?
A: We serve Chicago, Oak Park, River Forest, Skokie, Evanston, Wilmette, Northbrook, Highland Park, Lake Forest, Deerfield, and nearby suburbs.
About ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons
ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons is a locally owned, award-winning disaster restoration firm. Part of the nation’s oldest restoration brand, founded in Chicago in 1929, we bring unmatched expertise, rapid response, and personal care to every project.
Our team includes IICRC Master Fire & Water Restorers and members of the Restoration Industry Association. We provide:
- Water Damage Restoration
- Fire & Smoke Damage Cleanup
- Mold Remediation
- Specialty Cleaning
- Commercial Restoration
For practical tips, see our book: RESTORE: A Complete Guide to Protecting Your Home As Your Most Valuable Asset.
Call Us Today
For trusted, 24/7 water damage restoration, contact ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons at 847-316-9145.
Nasutsa Mabwa is the CEO of ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons, a nationally recognized, award-winning disaster restoration firm serving Cook, DuPage, and Lake Counties. Under her leadership, the company has become one of Chicagoland’s most trusted providers of water and flood damage restoration, fire and smoke damage cleanup, mold remediation, and specialty cleaning services for both residential and commercial clients.
A respected business and civic leader, Nasutsa has received numerous honors for her contributions to the industry and her community. Her accolades include:
- Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Companies - 2025 recipient
- Top 100 Women to KNOW in America (2024) by KNOW Women & JPMorgan Chase
- Crain’s Chicago Business 40 Under 40
- SB100 Best of Small Business Award
- 2020 BBB Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics
- Stevie® Award for Female Entrepreneur of the Year
- 2020 Daily Herald Business Ledger C-Suite Award
- 2018 ServiceMaster® Achiever Award
She is IICRC-certified in both Water Damage Restoration (WRT) and Fire & Smoke Restoration (FSRT), combining technical expertise with visionary leadership. Nasutsa holds a Master’s in Urban Planning & Policy from the University of Illinois at Chicago and an MBA in Real Estate Development from Roosevelt University.
Beyond her business achievements, Nasutsa is an active community advocate. She is a Board Member of the Civic Federation, an Advisory Board Member, and Past President of the Executive Committee for the Evanston Chamber of Commerce. She is also a long-standing member of the Women Presidents Organization (WPO).
She is the co-author of RESTORE: A Complete Guide to Protecting Your Home As Your Most Valuable Asset, an essential guidebook for homeowners navigating the challenges of water and fire disasters.
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Flooded basement? Burst pipe? Don’t wait—water damage spreads fast. ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons provides 24/7 emergency water damage cleanup for Chicagoland and North Shore homes. With 40+ years of local expertise and IICRC-certified crews, we’ll protect your property and start the restoration immediately.

