Quick Takeaways for Chicago and North Shore Homeowners
The first 24 hours after water damage are the most important. Fast action reduces structural damage and mold risk.
Stop the water source immediately if possible. Shut off the main water supply if a pipe has burst.
Turn off electricity in affected areas to reduce safety risk.
Remove valuable items and contents from wet areas to prevent permanent damage.
Professional drying should begin as soon as possible. Household fans cannot remove hidden moisture.
Homes in Evanston, Wilmette, Glenview, Northbrook, Skokie, and Chicago are especially vulnerable due to aging plumbing and winter freezes.
Fast, correct action protects your home and significantly reduces restoration costs.
Why Immediate Action Is Critical After Water Damage
Water damage spreads faster than most homeowners expect. In many Chicago homes we’ve restored, water traveled beneath hardwood floors and behind walls within minutes of the initial leak.
Building materials absorb water quickly. Drywall, wood, and insulation act like sponges. The longer moisture remains, the greater the damage becomes.
Within 24 to 48 hours, mold can begin to develop if materials remain wet.
Immediate action helps prevent:
Fast mitigation produces the best outcome.
Step 1: Stop the Water Source Immediately
The first priority is stopping the flow of water.
If the source is plumbing-related, shut off your home’s main water valve. In most Chicago and North Shore homes, this valve is located in the basement near the front foundation wall.
Common sources include:
If the source is a roof leak or storm intrusion, move contents away from the affected area and contain water if possible.
Stopping the source prevents additional damage.
Step 2: Turn Off Electricity in Affected Areas
Water and electricity create serious safety risks.
If water is near:
Electrical outlets
Light fixtures
Appliances
Circuit panels
Turn off the power to the affected area at your breaker panel.
If you cannot safely access the breaker, avoid entering standing water and contact a professional.
Safety must always come first.
Step 3: Remove Valuable and Sensitive Items
Water damages contents quickly. Removing important items helps prevent permanent loss.
Focus on:
Electronics
Documents
Photographs
Furniture
Rugs
Clothing
In homes throughout Glenview, Wilmette, and Chicago, we often see preventable content loss simply because items remained in wet areas too long.
Moving contents to a dry location protects them.
Step 4: Remove Excess Water If Safe to Do So
If water levels are minimal and conditions are safe, removing surface water can help reduce damage.
You can use:
However, this only removes visible water.
Hidden moisture remains trapped inside structural materials.
Professional extraction equipment is far more effective.
Step 5: Increase Airflow in the Affected Area
Air movement helps slow moisture absorption.
You can:
However, household fans cannot dry structural materials like subfloors, insulation, and wall cavities.
Professional drying equipment is required for complete mitigation.
Step 6: Avoid Common Mistakes That Make Damage Worse
Many homeowners unintentionally worsen damage by taking the wrong actions.
Avoid these mistakes:
Do not use household vacuums to remove water. They are unsafe around moisture.
Do not delay mitigation. Waiting increases damage severity.
Do not assume materials will dry naturally. Hidden moisture remains.
Do not ignore water inside walls or ceilings.
Professional drying prevents long-term problems.
Step 7: Contact a Professional Water Damage Restoration Company
Professional mitigation is the most important step after water damage.
Professional restoration includes:
Moisture detection
Water extraction
Structural drying
Dehumidification
Monitoring
This ensures complete drying and prevents mold growth.
Homes across Evanston, Skokie, Northbrook, and Chicago often contain hidden moisture that cannot be removed without professional equipment.
Professional restoration protects your home long-term.
What Happens If Water Damage Is Not Properly Dried
Incomplete drying leads to serious long-term problems.
These include:
Mold growth
Structural weakening
Floor warping
Odor development
Material deterioration
Many Chicago homeowners discover hidden damage weeks or months later when mitigation was delayed or incomplete.
Proper drying prevents these issues.
Why Chicago Homes Require Professional Drying Equipment
Chicago’s climate creates additional challenges.
High humidity slows drying. Cold weather traps moisture inside materials. Older construction methods allow moisture to spread easily.
Professional drying equipment removes moisture efficiently and safely.
At ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons, we use commercial air movers, dehumidifiers, and moisture detection equipment to ensure complete drying.
This prevents long-term damage.
Insurance Considerations After Water Damage
Most sudden water damage events are covered by homeowners' insurance.
Insurance typically requires prompt mitigation to prevent further damage.
Professional documentation helps support your claim and ensures proper restoration.
Delaying mitigation can complicate insurance coverage.
Fast professional response protects both your home and your claim.
Frequently Asked Questions
How quickly should water damage be addressed?
Immediately. The first 24 hours are critical. Fast mitigation prevents mold growth and structural damage.
Can water damage dry on its own?
No. Hidden moisture remains trapped inside structural materials without professional drying equipment.
Will mold grow after water damage?
Mold can begin developing within 24 to 48 hours if materials remain wet.
Proper drying prevents mold growth.
Is water damage dangerous?
Yes. Water damage weakens structural materials and creates electrical hazards.
Professional mitigation protects your home and safety.
Should I call my insurance company first or a restoration company?
You can do both. Professional mitigation should begin immediately to prevent further damage.
Restoration professionals provide documentation needed for insurance claims.
Trusted Water Damage Restoration in Chicago and the North Shore
This guidance reflects real-world restoration experience across thousands of homes.
Sam Simon is an IICRC Master Fire Restorer, Master Water Restorer, and Master Textile Restorer (#137718), with over 40 years of experience restoring homes throughout Chicago, Evanston, Wilmette, Glenview, Northbrook, Skokie, Deerfield, Highland Park, and Lake Forest.
ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons is an IICRC-certified firm and part of ServiceMaster Restore, the nation’s oldest restoration company, founded in Chicago in 1929.
Professional mitigation ensures complete drying and proper restoration.
When to Call for Professional Help
If your home has experienced:
Burst pipes
Ceiling leaks
Basement flooding
Appliance leaks
Plumbing failures
Professional mitigation should begin immediately. A fast response protects your home and prevents further damage.
If you need Water Mitigation Services, immediately contact ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons at 773-376-1110.
