Water Damage Restoration in Highland Park, IL
Sewer backup after a storm, water finding its way in near one of Highland Park's ravines, or a burst pipe mid-winter? 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 Highland Park Homeowners Trust
Highland Park has more ravines than any other North Shore community, deep natural channels that carry runoff straight to Lake Michigan. That geography makes water move differently here than in a flat inland suburb, and it's part of why the City has its own sewer backup assistance program. In July 2017, over 4 inches of rain fell on already saturated ground, and the City still calls it one of the wettest days in recent history. We've pumped out basements, dried storm-damaged homes, and cleaned up sewage backups across Highland Park and the surrounding North Shore suburbs for 40 years. Here's what to do first, what the real flood risk looks like here, 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 Deerfield, Northbrook, Glenview, and Wilmette. 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. Anything larger, involving sewage, or 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 Highland Park and respond quickly.
Inspection
We trace where the water came from and how far it traveled, 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 sewage, storm repairs, 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 damage services in Highland Park
Real water damage restoration Highland Park homeowners call us for, across the village and the surrounding North Shore.
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
Between the ravines and the Skokie River, water can move through Highland Park differently than flatter suburbs. Our basement cleanup pulls the water and tracks down hidden moisture before mold sets in.
Storm & Flood Damage
A hard storm can overwhelm sewer capacity fast, as it did across Highland Park in July 2017. Our flood cleanup crew dries the home out and repairs the damage.
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 usually points to a roof leak or a pipe above it. Our ceiling repair team traces the source, dries the cavity, and rebuilds.
Burst Pipe Cleanup
Older plumbing common in Highland Park's established homes can split without warning. We stop the flow, pull the water, and dry the structure; the pipe repair itself is a plumber's call.
Why Highland Park's ravines make water damage different here
Homes near a ravine, the Skokie River, or the Middle Fork of the Chicago River deal with a different kind of water risk than homes on flat, inland ground. The City's own flood-mitigation materials point to the July 2017 storm as a benchmark event: over 4 inches of rain fell on ground that was already saturated, and the resulting surcharge pushed water into basements across the village. The City continues to study long-term flood mitigation for the Skokie River and Middle Fork corridors in partnership with the Lake County Stormwater Management Commission, MWRD, and the Army Corps of Engineers.
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.
Highland Park will help pay for sewer backup prevention
The program exists specifically to help residents minimize house and property flooding caused by sanitary sewer surcharges, the same overload that hits during a heavy storm. It's limited to single-family homes, and applies to full lateral lining or replacement, or approved backflow-prevention equipment. Before approval, the City inspects for any cross-connection between storm and sanitary laterals; if one's found, the homeowner has to disconnect it at their own cost.
If you've got water in your basement, the City's own guidance is simple: call the Sewer Section at 847-926-1150 or Public Works at 847-432-0807 during business hours, and they'll check the City lines and help determine whether it's the City's responsibility or the homeowner's. After hours, call the public safety non-emergency line at 847-432-7730.
Does insurance cover a flooded Highland Park basement?
Coverage depends on your specific policy, the cause of the loss, and whether you carry a water-backup endorsement. The confusion we hear most is homeowners assuming every basement flood is the same kind of claim, when it usually isn't.
A sump pump failure, a sewer backing up, and river or ravine-adjacent floodwater rising into a home are three different causes, and most policies treat them differently. A sudden sump pump failure is often treated like other sudden plumbing failures. A sewer backup is typically only covered with a water-backup endorsement. River or floodplain flooding usually needs separate flood insurance and isn't covered by a standard homeowners policy at all. 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
- Sudden, accidental leaks from plumbing
- Storm damage that lets water in through the roof
Often Not Covered
- Sewer or drain backup without a water-backup endorsement
- River or floodplain flooding (needs separate NFIP flood insurance)
- Groundwater seepage through a foundation crack
- Slow leaks left unaddressed for months
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 cost in Highland Park?
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+ |
What our clients say
Real reviews from homeowners who called us for water damage restoration Highland Park and the North Shore 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 Highland Park and nearby
We cover all of Highland Park, IL and the surrounding North Shore suburbs.
What Highland Park Asks
Quick answers to the questions we hear most before the full FAQ below.
Is Highland Park, IL in a flood zone?
Parts of it are, mainly near the Skokie River, the Middle Fork, and low-lying ravine areas. You can check your specific address using FEMA's Flood Map Service Center, or contact the City directly.
Does Highland Park have a sewer repair assistance program?
Yes. The Voluntary Sewer Lateral Cost Share Program reimburses up to 20% or $1,260, whichever is less, toward a private sewer lateral rehab, overhead sewer, or backflow-prevention device.
What do I do about a sewage backup in Highland Park?
Stop using water in the house, stay out of the water, and call the Sewer Section at 847-926-1150 or Public Works at 847-432-0807 during business hours to check the City lines. After hours, call 847-432-7730. Call a restoration crew for the cleanup itself.
Why does Highland Park flood differently than other North Shore suburbs?
Highland Park has more ravines than any other North Shore community, natural channels that drain directly to Lake Michigan. Combined with the Skokie River and Middle Fork, water moves through parts of the village differently than in flatter, inland suburbs.
Water damage questions Highland Park asks
Direct answers to what homeowners here actually search.
Who do I call first when my Highland Park basement 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 the public sewer main may be involved, also contact the City's Sewer Section at 847-926-1150 or Public Works at 847-432-0807.
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 Highland Park, IL in a flood zone?
Parts of it are, mainly near the Skokie River, the Middle Fork of the Chicago River, and low-lying ravine areas. You can check your specific address using FEMA's Flood Map Service Center, or contact the City of Highland Park directly for local guidance.
Does Highland Park have a sewer repair assistance program?
Yes. The Voluntary Sewer Lateral Cost Share Program reimburses homeowners up to 20% or a maximum of $1,260, whichever is less, toward rehabilitating a private sewer lateral or installing an overhead sewer or backflow-prevention device. It's limited to single-family homes.
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 basement flooding in Highland Park?
It depends on your specific policy and what caused the water. A sudden pipe burst or sump pump failure is often covered; a sewer backup usually needs a water-backup endorsement; and river or floodplain flooding typically needs separate NFIP flood insurance rather than a standard homeowners policy. We document the cause to support your claim either way.
How much does it cost to fix a flooded basement in Highland Park?
It depends on the water category, how much square footage is affected, and whether soaked drywall or flooring has to come out. Water cleanup and structural drying typically runs $2,000–$10,000; sewage cleanup runs roughly $7–$14 per square foot; mold remediation, if it develops, is usually $500–$3,000. We give you a written estimate before any work starts.
What items can actually be saved after a flood?
Photos, books, and papers often survive if you act the same day; freeze wet books and documents to stop mold and buy yourself time, and slide wax paper between stuck-together photos before they dry. Anything that sat in floodwater more than 24 hours, or anything sewage touched, usually can't be saved.
Do you repair the sewer line, or just clean up?
We handle the cleanup and drying, not the plumbing repair. We're not a plumber, so we don't rod or repair the sewer line itself. Most backup jobs need both trades; a plumber to fix the line and us to extract, sanitize, and dry the structure before mold sets in.
How fast does mold grow after water damage?
Mold can start within 24 to 48 hours if moisture stays trapped in walls, flooring, or insulation. Getting the water out and the structure dried fast is what keeps materials from having to be torn out later.
How fast can you get to my Highland Park home?
We answer 24/7, and we're close to our Chicago base, so we respond quickly. The sooner extraction and drying start, the less damage spreads and the lower the final cost.
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 needed only if mold actually took hold. Doing the first one fast and correctly is usually what prevents 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 sewage, storm repairs, 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 doesn't reach mold growing inside drywall, wood, or insulation; it just bleaches the color on the surface. Porous materials with mold growth typically need to be professionally treated or removed, not bleached.
Sherman has led The CleanUP Guys since 1986 and has personally worked water, sewage, and mold jobs across Highland Park and the North Shore 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 in your Highland Park home? Let us help.
Free estimate across Highland Park and the surrounding North Shore suburbs. We find the source, dry it right, and handle the insurance paperwork.
Water in Your Highland Park Home? 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