Water Damage Restoration in Des Plaines, IL
Basement filling from the Des Plaines River, storm damage after a hard summer squall, or a sewer backup mid-storm? We pull the water, dry the structure, and stop mold before it spreads. Family owned since 1986, close to our Chicago base, we respond quickly, with a free estimate and 24/7 response.
Water Damage Restoration Des Plaines Homeowners Trust
Des Plaines sits along its namesake river, about 17 miles northwest of downtown Chicago, next to O'Hare and I-90. That river has given the city one of the most documented flood histories in the Chicago suburbs; parts of town have flooded eight or nine times since the mid-1980s, and the city has worked with FEMA for decades on a buyout program for the worst-hit homes. Storm damage here isn't rare, it's a known and well-documented risk. We've pumped out basements, dried storm-damaged homes, and cleaned up sewage backups across Des Plaines and the surrounding suburbs for 40 years. Here's what to do first, what the real flood risk looks like, what it costs, and who handles which part of the job.
We handle the cleanup, drying, and restoration inside your home. We're not the plumber who rods or repairs a sewer line, and we'll tell you straight when something needs a different trade. We also serve nearby Park Ridge, Lincolnwood, Skokie, and Evanston. Call (773) 885-8528.
What to do in the first 24 hours after a flood
The steps that matter most, in order:
- Cut power to the wet area first. Only if the panel is reachable without stepping into water.
- Photograph the water, the source, and the damage. Insurance needs to see it as it happened, not after cleanup started.
- Get items out of standing water within a few hours. Wood, drywall, and paper that stay wet past a day are usually a loss.
- Skip the wet-vac approach for anything beyond a few inches. Without commercial drying equipment, moisture hides in the subfloor and mold follows within days.
Can you handle it yourself? A few inches of clean water from something small can sometimes be managed with a wet vac and fans if you dry it within 24 hours. Storm damage, river-adjacent flooding, or anything sitting more than a day needs professional extraction; DIY equipment can't reach the moisture trapped in subfloor and wall cavities.
How we respond when you call
A documented process that removes the water and the reason it caused damage.
Call & Dispatch
The owner or a real crew member answers, gets the details, and heads your way. We're close to Des Plaines and respond quickly.
Inspection
We trace where the water came from, whether it's storm, river, sewer, or a pipe, then check moisture levels in walls and flooring for what's wet out of sight.
Water Extraction
Truck-mounted pumps clear standing water fast, and we pull the rest from the subfloor and low corners where it pools.
Structural Drying
Air movers and dehumidifiers dry framing, subfloor, and drywall from the inside out, not just the surface.
Cleaning & Mold Check
Clean water gets sanitized; sewage means every surface it touched is disinfected. We confirm the space is dry before we leave.
Repairs & Restoration
We rebuild what the water damaged, drywall, paint, and flooring, until the room looks like it did before.
How long does this take?
Water extraction usually happens the same day you call. Structural drying with air movers and dehumidifiers typically runs 3 to 5 days, depending on how much got wet and the water category. If storm repairs, sewage, or mold are involved, the full job can stretch to 1 to 2 weeks. We give you a specific timeline once we've inspected the damage.
Water and storm damage services in Des Plaines
The jobs we get called for most across Des Plaines and the surrounding suburbs.
Storm Damage Restoration
Wind-driven rain, hail, or flash flooding can put water into a Des Plaines home fast during a hard storm. Our storm damage restoration extracts the water, dries the structure, and repairs what the storm damaged.
Sewage Backup
Sewage is Category 3 black water. Our sewage cleanup crew extracts it, disinfects every surface, and removes anything too far gone to keep.
Flooded Basement
Des Plaines' river-adjacent geography means basements can take on water fast during a heavy storm. Our basement cleanup pulls the water and tracks down hidden moisture before mold sets in.
Mold Remediation
Wait a day or two and mold takes hold. Our mold removal crew seals off the area, clears the growth, treats what's left, and cuts off the moisture feeding it.
Ceiling & Roof Leak Damage
A stained or sagging ceiling after a storm usually points to a roof leak. Our ceiling repair team traces the source, dries the cavity, and rebuilds.
Burst Pipe Cleanup
Older plumbing common in Des Plaines' established neighborhoods can split without warning. We stop the flow, pull the water, and dry the structure; the pipe repair itself is a plumber's call.
What can actually be saved after a flood
What holds up, and what doesn't:
- Freeze wet books and papers right away. It stops mold and buys you time to sort through what actually matters.
- Slide wax paper between stuck-together photos. Dry them flat afterward, away from direct sunlight.
- Keep what you're saving in plastic totes, off the floor. Not cardboard, while the space finishes drying.
- Sewage or river-contaminated items can't be saved. Bedding, upholstery, and drywall exposed to contaminated water need to be thrown out.
How fast do you need to act?
If your basement took on water in the last day or two, an estimate now costs far less than remediation once mold has spread. We answer 24/7, and we're close to our Chicago base, so we respond quickly.
Why Des Plaines has one of Chicagoland's most documented flood risks
This isn't a guess, it's documented. An April 2013 flood was severe enough to trigger a federal disaster declaration. Since then, the city has worked with FEMA's Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, the State of Illinois, and the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District to buy out and demolish 68 of the worst-hit homes along the river, with roughly a dozen more in process. Residents near Big Bend Drive and Hawthorne Lane have reported flooding on clear days, when rising river water backs up through the ground before a drop of rain falls locally.
Does insurance cover storm or flood damage in Des Plaines?
Coverage depends on your specific policy, the cause of the loss, and whether you carry flood or water-backup coverage. Given how much of Des Plaines sits in a mapped floodplain, checking your policy here matters more than in most Chicago suburbs.
A sump pump failure, a sewer backing up, and river or surface floodwater rising into a home are three different causes, and a standard policy treats them differently. A sudden sump pump failure is often treated like other sudden plumbing failures. A sewer backup usually needs a water-backup endorsement. River flooding and floodplain groundwater need a separate NFIP flood insurance policy entirely, something worth checking given how much of Des Plaines sits inside a mapped floodplain. Knowing which one happened is the first thing your adjuster will ask.
More Often Covered
- A burst or frozen pipe that suddenly fails
- A sudden sump pump failure or appliance overflow
- Wind-driven storm damage that lets water in through the roof
- Sudden, accidental leaks from plumbing
Often Not Covered
- River or surface flooding (needs separate NFIP flood insurance)
- Sewer or drain backup without a water-backup endorsement
- Groundwater seepage through a foundation crack
- Slow leaks left unaddressed for months
Because Des Plaines has one of the highest concentrations of floodplain property in Illinois, we always ask what caused the water before assuming what's covered. We document the cause, photograph everything, and work with your adjuster. Not sure what your policy covers? Call (773) 885-8528.
What does water damage restoration Des Plaines pricing look like?
Restoration pricing comes down to how much water, what kind, and how far it spread. Here's a realistic breakdown before any work begins.
| What Drives the Cost | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Water cleanup & structural drying | $2,000 – $10,000 |
| Sewage / black water cleanup, by area | Around $7 – $14 / sq ft |
| Mold remediation, if it develops | $500 – $3,000 |
| Sewer line rodding or repair (a plumber, not us) | A few hundred to $10,000+ |
Sewer backing up in your Des Plaines home? Do this first.
Here's the honest split. If the backup is coming from a clogged or broken line on your property, clearing it is a plumber's job; the line running from the house to the street is typically the homeowner's responsibility, not the City's, so it makes sense to have it checked even on a first-time backup. The cleanup afterward, removing the Category 3 water, disinfecting every surface it touched, and drying the structure before mold sets in, is our part. Most sewage backups need both, so it's fine to call a plumber and us within the same hour. The water in your basement doesn't wait.
What our clients say
Real reviews from homeowners who called us for water damage restoration Des Plaines and the surrounding suburbs trust.
"The CleanUP Guys showed up the next day and did a fantastic job with the basement cleaning and mold remediation. The basement just smells better. Friendly, family, down to earth workers that gave us a great price and excellent service."
"Sherm and his crew came out fast and got our basement clean, dry, and mold free. They exceeded the scope of their job and helped us in our time of need. Could not recommend them more."
"The Clean Up Guys were timely, professional and very easy to work with. They finished the job quickly and as promised at a very reasonable price. We would definitely use this company again."
Water damage restoration across Des Plaines and nearby
We cover all of Des Plaines and the surrounding suburbs.
What Des Plaines Asks
Quick answers to the questions we hear most before the full FAQ below.
Is Des Plaines in a flood zone?
Yes, a significant part of the city sits inside a FEMA-designated floodplain along the Des Plaines River, and it holds more NFIP flood insurance policies than any other Illinois community.
What causes sewage backup after a storm in Des Plaines?
Heavy rain can overwhelm the sewer system faster than it can carry the water away, pushing it back up through the lowest drain in the house, usually a basement floor drain.
Is river flooding covered by regular homeowners insurance?
Usually not. River and surface flooding typically needs a separate NFIP flood insurance policy; a standard homeowners policy generally excludes it.
How long does storm damage restoration take?
Extraction happens the same day. Drying with commercial equipment typically runs 3 to 5 days, and repairs can add another week or two depending on what the storm damaged.
Water damage questions Des Plaines asks
Direct answers to what homeowners here actually search.
Who do I call first when my Des Plaines home floods?
Call a licensed water damage restoration company for anything beyond a few inches of clean water; a general handyman isn't equipped for structural drying. If sewage is involved, the same crew extracts and sanitizes. If you think the public sewer main is involved, also contact Des Plaines City Hall at 847-391-5300.
What should I do in the first 24 hours after a flood?
Cut power to the wet area if the panel is safely reachable, stop the water source if you're able to, and photograph everything before you start moving things. Call a restoration company within the first few hours; the longer water sits, the higher the odds mold takes hold.
Is Des Plaines actually in a flood zone?
Yes. A significant part of Des Plaines sits inside a FEMA-designated floodplain along the Des Plaines River, and the city has more NFIP flood insurance policies than any other community in Illinois. If your home is near the river, check your specific flood zone designation and whether you need a separate flood policy.
Is sewage backup dangerous to clean up myself?
Yes. Sewage is Category 3 black water and carries bacteria that can make you sick, and standing water can conceal live electrical wiring. Leave it alone until it's professionally extracted and sanitized, especially with young kids, a compromised immune system, or open wounds in the house.
Does homeowners insurance cover storm or river flood damage in Des Plaines?
It depends on the cause. A sudden pipe burst, sump pump failure, or wind-driven storm damage is often covered by a standard policy. River flooding or surface water rising over the ground typically needs a separate NFIP flood insurance policy, and a sewer backup usually needs a water-backup endorsement.
Is a failed sump pump treated differently than a sewer backup by insurance?
Often, yes. A sudden sump pump failure tends to get treated like any other sudden plumbing failure and covered under a standard policy. A sewer backup is different; most carriers only pay out if you added a water-backup endorsement first. Confirm with your carrier rather than assume.
How much does it cost to fix a flooded basement in Des Plaines?
It comes down to the water category, how much square footage is affected, and whether soaked drywall or flooring needs to come out. Water cleanup and structural drying typically runs $2,000–$10,000; sewage cleanup runs about $7–$14 per square foot; mold remediation, if needed, usually falls between $500–$3,000. We give you a written estimate before starting.
What items can actually be saved after a flood?
Photos, books, and papers often make it if you act the same day; freeze wet books and documents to stop mold and buy time, and slip wax paper between photos stuck together before they dry. Anything soaked more than 24 hours, or anything sewage or river water touched, usually isn't worth trying to save.
Do you repair the sewer line, or just clean up?
We're not a plumber; we handle the cleanup and drying, not sewer line repair or rodding. Most backup jobs need both trades: a plumber to fix what's broken, and us to extract, sanitize, and dry the structure so mold doesn't follow.
How fast does mold grow after water damage?
Mold can begin within 24 to 48 hours if moisture stays trapped in walls, flooring, or insulation. Getting the water out and the space dried quickly is what keeps materials from needing to be torn out later.
How fast can you get to my Des Plaines home?
We're close to our Chicago base and answer 24/7, so we respond quickly. Faster extraction and drying means less damage spreads and a lower final bill.
Is water remediation the same as mold remediation?
No. Water remediation is the extraction and drying that happens right after the water event. Mold remediation is a separate process, only needed if mold actually develops. Handling the first one quickly is usually what keeps you from needing the second.
How long does water damage restoration take?
Water extraction usually happens the same day you call. Structural drying with air movers and dehumidifiers typically runs 3 to 5 days, depending on how much got wet and the water category. If storm repairs, sewage, or mold are involved, the full job can stretch to 1 to 2 weeks. We give you a specific timeline once we've inspected the damage.
Does bleach kill mold?
Bleach kills mold on hard, nonporous surfaces like tile, but it can't reach mold growing inside drywall, wood, or insulation; it just bleaches what's on the surface. Porous materials with mold growth typically need professional treatment or removal, not bleach.
Sherman has led The CleanUP Guys since 1986 and has personally worked water, storm, sewage, and mold jobs across Des Plaines and the surrounding suburbs for 40 years. Our crew is IICRC certified and follows industry drying standards on every job. This page is reviewed and kept current by our team so the guidance here matches what we actually do on site.
Water or storm damage in Des Plaines? Let us help.
Free estimate across Des Plaines and the surrounding suburbs. We find the source, dry it right, and handle the insurance paperwork.
Water or Storm Damage in Des Plaines? Call Now.
Every hour counts once water gets in. Free estimate, honest pricing, and a crew Chicago has trusted since 1986. The owner still answers the phone.
Call (773) 885-8528 Now