Chicago Winter Burst Pipes:  Who to Call, What to Do, And What it Costs

A deep freeze hits, the temperature jumps, and suddenly water is pouring from a ceiling or flooding your basement. Burst pipes are a Chicagoland winter classic, especially in older masonry homes, radiator buildings, and basements with exposed plumbing. In this guide, you will find clear steps to control damage fast, who to call first, what typical costs look like, how insurance usually responds, and how our 24/7 team stabilizes, dries, and documents your loss to prevent mold and speed up claims.

First Five Minutes: What to Do Right Now

• Your goal is to stop water, protect safety, and document the loss.
• Shut off the water supply. Use the main shutoff valve. In multiunit buildings, alert building management if you cannot access it.
• Kill power to wet areas. Switch off breakers to flooded rooms to prevent shock. Do not walk through standing water with power on.
• Open a faucet low in the home. This relieves pressure and may slow the leak.
• Move valuables to a dry area. Prioritize electronics, documents, rugs, and upholstered items.
• Take photos and short videos. Capture where water is coming from, affected rooms, and any ceiling or wall discoloration.
• Call a restoration company for emergency water extraction and drying. Rapid mitigation within hours limits structural damage and mold.
• Call a licensed plumber to repair the broken pipe once the area is safe and accessible.

Is water damage considered an emergency? Yes. Water wicks into drywall, insulation, subfloors, and framing within minutes. Mold can begin within 24 to 48 hours. Emergency mitigation helps avoid more costly demolition and rebuilds.

Who to Call When a Water Pipe Bursts

Short answer: call both, in the right order.

Restoration first for active flooding. If water is spreading or standing, call a 24/7 restoration team to extract water, set containment, and protect the structure. We can often arrive the same day or overnight and begin stabilization immediately.

Plumber next for the permanent fix. Do plumbers fix burst pipes? Yes. A licensed plumber will cut out the damaged section, replace fittings, and pressure test. In winter, plumbers run hot; our team coordinates schedules so your repair happens quickly and your home keeps drying.

Who do you call for water damage in your basement? A restoration company. Basements in Chicago, Evanston, Skokie, Wilmette, and nearby suburbs are especially vulnerable in freeze and thaw cycles. We pump, extract, sanitize, and dry, then help you line up the plumbing repair and any reconstruction.

Our Emergency Process, Step By Step

Arrival and safety check. We verify electricity is safe, identify hazards, and protect walkways.

Moisture mapping with meters and infrared. This shows all wet materials, including behind walls and under floors.

Water removal and extraction. We use pumps and truck mounted or portable extractors to remove bulk water fast.

Controlled demolition as needed. Wet drywall, insulation, or carpet pad may be removed to speed drying and prevent mold.

Structured drying. Air movers and commercial dehumidifiers run with daily readings until materials reach target moisture levels.

Cleaning, antimicrobial treatment, and HEPA filtration. We reduce odors and microbial risk.

Documentation for insurance. We provide photos, moisture logs, and a written scope so you can file a clear claim.

Reconstruction coordination. When drying is complete, we coordinate repairs to restore finishes.

We are IICRC certified, available 24/7, and equipped to handle Chicago building quirks like radiator risers, plaster and lath, and finished or unfinished basements.

What It Costs: Plumbing Repair and Restoration

Every job is unique, but these ranges help you plan.

Plumbing repair for a burst pipe: Minor accessible section repair: often $250 to $600 for simple copper or PEX replacement.

Difficult access or after hours: $600 to $1,500 or more, especially if walls must be opened or valves replaced.

Radiator and steam systems: pricing varies based on access and parts. Expect higher costs for specialty work.

How much does a plumber charge to fix a burst pipe? Labor rates in Chicagoland commonly range from $125 to $250 per hour, plus materials and emergency fees. Exact pricing comes from the plumber after seeing the site.

Water damage restoration: Small area, one room with clean water and minimal demolition: $1,000 to $3,000.

Multi room or finished basement with extraction, drying, and selective demo: $3,000 to $8,000.

Large loss, contaminated water, or heavy demolition and pack out: $8,000 to $20,000+. Reconstruction is separate.

What is the typical cost for water damage restoration? Most winter burst pipe jobs fall in the middle range, driven by square footage, how long water ran, and whether materials can be dried in place.

Does Insurance Cover This?

Good news, many burst pipe events are covered. A few guidelines:

Sudden and accidental burst pipes are usually covered under standard homeowners or dwelling policies. This often includes tearing out to access the pipe.

Long term leaks, deferred maintenance, or mold growth from neglect are often excluded.

Water damage restoration costs are commonly covered when the cause is covered. Drying, demolition of unsalvageable materials, and sanitation may be included.

Plumbing repair to the failed part is often not covered, but the access work may be. Policies vary.

File promptly and document well. We supply photographs, moisture maps, equipment logs, and a detailed estimate to support your claim.

Does insurance cover water damage from a burst pipe? Frequently, yes, if the loss is sudden and accidental. Does insurance cover water damage restoration? Often, yes, within policy terms and limits. Always confirm with your carrier or agent.

How Long Drying Takes

Same day: water shutoff, extraction, and initial demolition if needed.

2 to 4 days: typical drying time for clean water losses, with daily moisture checks and equipment adjustments.

5 to 10 days or more: larger or complex losses, plaster walls, or cold basements may take longer.

Reconstruction: ranges from a few days to several weeks depending on scope and material lead times.

Chicago Specific Tips to Prevent Winter Bursts

Insulate pipes in unheated basements, crawlspaces, and exterior walls.

Keep heat on and open vanity doors to warm sink lines.

Drip faucets in extreme cold to maintain flow.

Seal foundation penetrations and address drafty rim joists.

Know where your main water shutoff is and label it.

When You Need Us, We Are Ready

We serve Chicago and the North Shore, from single family homes to multifamily and commercial properties. If you are in the northern suburbs, our crews handle water, drying, and mold prevention every winter. If you are local to the North Shore and need targeted help, you might search for water damage restoration Skokie or water damage restoration Evanston, IL and our team can respond 24/7 with extraction, drying, and documentation. If a sewer line backs up with a freeze or thaw, we also perform full disinfection and cleanup.

Call Our 24/7 Line for Emergency Dispatch

Rapid response, day or night

IICRC certified technicians

Moisture mapping with infrared

Insurance ready documentation

Full coordination through reconstruction

If you are facing a burst pipe right now, call The CleanUP Guys at (773) 885-8528. We will stabilize the loss, dry your property, and help you move forward with clarity and confidence.

Summary

When a pipe bursts in a Chicago winter, act fast. Shut off water and power to wet areas, document the damage, call a restoration team for immediate extraction and drying, then have a licensed plumber fix the pipe. Expect plumbing repairs to range from a few hundred dollars to over a thousand, and restoration to range from a couple thousand to larger sums based on size and severity. Many sudden burst pipe losses are covered by insurance. Our 24/7 IICRC certified team uses moisture mapping and professional drying to prevent mold, protect your structure, and provide complete documentation for your claim. Call now and we will get your home safe, dry, and ready for repairs.