What You Need to Know About Flooded Basements in Illinois

Basement flooding is becoming more common, especially in the Chicago area. Heavy, intense rainfall can quickly overwhelm our local sewer systems, which pushes water into basements and other low-lying residential and commercial areas. Burst pipes, faulty large appliances, and plumbing problems can also cause water intrusion in the lower levels of your home or business. 

Catch-basins in the street and rooftop drainage gutters can get inundated with up to 500 gallons of water each year. While the city is working hard to improve its infrastructure, flooded basements can threaten the structural integrity of your home, create a hazardous environment, and encourage the development of harmful mold and fungus.

This kind of disaster can also lead to unnecessary stress and expensive repairs for homeowners. Thankfully, PuroClean of Evanston has a top-notch emergency response team of highly trained experts that are available to assist you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Get the facts you need and be fully prepared for any wild weather events — read on to learn everything you need to know about basement flooding in Chicagoland and what you can do to mitigate the situation. 

Take it Step by Step

The very first thing you need to do is ensure power to the flooded area has been disconnected. A professional restoration company such as PuroClean of Evanston has extensive experience dealing with these kinds of problems and will work quickly to determine the extent of the damage and if the area is safe to enter. If the water is deep enough to submerge power outlets, your utility company needs to be notified immediately.

Working quickly is important for reducing the chance of mold growth. It’s also a smart idea to take photographs of everything, even if you’re not sure about filing an insurance claim. Our organization is the property emergency company of choice for claims adjusters and insurance agents, with years of experience helping homeowners document damage and complete the necessary paperwork to file a successful claim.

It’s also vital to determine the cause of the water intrusion as soon as possible and get professional assistance if needed. We have a well-deserved reputation as “The Paramedics of Property Damage™ due to our results-oriented training and commitment to excellence, and our specialists are standing by to help homeowners with any and all issues arising from flooded basements or other disasters.

If you must enter a flooded area to retrieve personal property, protect yourself with rubber boots, gloves, and a filtration mask. Flood water can carry bacteria, debris, and other harmful contaminants, but our technicians are specially trained to contain and remove this excess moisture and return your beloved home to pristine condition.

Breathe Easier

After a thorough evaluation of your basement is completed, it’s time to begin the process of removing excess moisture, improving airflow and reducing humidity, cleaning, and rebuilding.

Basements can add much-needed square footage to your home and serve as entertainment or game rooms, children’s playrooms, private gyms, mother-in-law suites, or as storage areas for priceless family heirlooms, antiques, and photographs. Flood waters can ruin valuable and treasured possessions, but PuroClean’s Certified Priority Response (CPR) Program is the ideal way to leverage state-of-the-art technology to save as many of your treasures as possible — and help ensure there are no repeat occurrences.

According to iProperty Management, 98% of basements experience some sort of water damage, and 14.6 million U.S. homes are at risk of severe flooding. That’s why it’s crucial to partner with a professional team to ensure the flooded area of your property is completely pumped out and dried thoroughly, air circulation is maximized, any potential hazards are removed, and repairs are performed by qualified and experienced technicians. Keep our contact information on hand, so you don’t have to search for a solution if disaster should strike. 

To prevent mold growth and protect your property in case of future severe weather, it’s important to be aware of the issues and make a few changes. Items stored in the basement should always be in water-tight containers, and you may want to consider renovating with more water-resistant flooring, paint, and other wall coverings. A professional restoration company like PuroClean of Evanston will offer expert advice on the best ways to rebuild and protect your investment.

Looking Forward

The spring and summer months in Chicagoland can bring unexpected flooding and a host of related hassles and headaches. But partnering with the team at PuroClean is an excellent way to create a flood mitigation and damage prevention plan.

We can help ensure that your gutters and drains are clog-free and performing optimally, and consult with you regarding the installation of French drains or sump pumps to divert floodwaters safely away from your home or business. 

Protecting your family and your property and helping home and business owners recover from disasters are our top priorities at PuroClean of Evanston. As members of this historic community, we are committed to providing you with the best possible solutions and unbeatable customer service. If you have any questions or concerns — or have an emergency flood or fire-related issue, please contact us immediately!