Water damage restoration in Illinois
- 507 ZIP codes covered in Illinois
- 1 city guides
- Free referral, no obligation
What causes water damage in Illinois
Basement flooding and sewer backup
Chicago and its older suburbs are on combined sewers; intense storms, like those of July 2023, push sewage and stormwater up through floor drains.
Frozen pipes
Deep cold, as in the polar vortex of January 2019, bursts pipes in older homes and unheated spaces.
River flooding
The Des Plaines, Fox, Illinois and Mississippi rivers flood after snowmelt and long rain.
Homes and how they are built
Chicago is known for brick bungalows, two-flats and three-flats, most with basements and many built before 1940. Suburbs range from post-war ranches to large newer homes with finished basements and sump pumps. Downstate homes are similar, with basements nearly universal.
When it happens
Spring thaw and summer thunderstorms flood basements from March through August. Freeze season runs December through February.
Rules and insurance in Illinois
Illinois has no statewide general contractor license; cities license contractors, and roofers and plumbers are licensed by the state.
In every state, homeowners insurance excludes rising floodwater, which needs a separate flood policy. See what homeowners insurance covers.
Where we can connect you in Illinois
As of October 5, 2026, independent restoration companies in our network cover 507 ZIP codes in 396 cities and towns in Illinois. Coverage changes often, so check your ZIP code.
City guides in Illinois
Covered places include: Chicago, Rockford, Aurora, Schaumburg, Naperville, Elgin, Carol Stream, Des Plaines, Hoffman Estates, Belleville, Loves Park, East Saint Louis, Waukegan, Palatine, Oak Park, Plainfield, Crystal Lake, Bensenville, Evanston, Arlington Heights, Bolingbrook, Skokie, Orland Park, Tinley Park, Wheaton, Downers Grove, Glenview, Wheeling, Saint Charles, Glendale Heights, Elk Grove Village, North Chicago, Highland Park, Niles, Glen Ellyn, Mchenry.
Services most relevant in Illinois
Basement flooding cleanup
Sump pump failures, seepage and storm water in basements.
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Sewage backup cleanup
Toilet overflows and sewer line backups (Category 3).
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Burst pipe cleanup
Frozen and failed pipes, supply lines and fittings.
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Structural drying and dehumidification
Measured drying of framing, subfloor, drywall and slab.
Learn more →See all water damage services or what to do in an emergency.
Illinois at a glance
- Region
- Midwest
- Main causes
- Basement flooding and sewer backup; Frozen pipes; River flooding
- ZIP codes we cover
- 507
- Cities and towns covered
- 396
- Coverage data as of
- October 5, 2026
Questions from Illinois homeowners
Why does my Chicago basement flood in a heavy storm?
The combined sewer under your street carries rain and sewage in one pipe. When it fills, the lowest opening, your basement floor drain, becomes the overflow.
Is water from the floor drain covered by insurance?
Only with a water backup endorsement on your homeowners policy. Without it, sewer backup is excluded.
What stops sewer backup?
Options include a backwater valve, an overhead sewer conversion and standpipes. A licensed plumber can say which fits your house.
Neighboring states
Water damage in Illinois?
Call and we'll connect you with an independent restoration company that serves your ZIP code. Free, no obligation.