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Why You Should Call a Water Damage Restoration Professional in Chicago

Nasutsa Mabwa

June 24, 2025

When 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:

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 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.