Polar vortex weeks that burst pipes in attics across Lincoln Park, ice dams that turn February into a roof-leak season, sewer backups in finished basements every time a summer storm parks over the city — Chicago does water damage on a calendar all its own. We run crews across the city neighborhoods and the suburbs, 24/7, IICRC-certified, insurance-billed direct.
Chicago Water Damage Calendar
Winter is the busy one. Polar vortex weeks — the kind where the high does not crack zero — burst pipes in attics, exterior walls, and unheated additions. Three-flats with kitchen plumbing on the north wall lose pipes routinely when the wind chill drops below -20°F. Ice dams form on roofs over poorly insulated attics, send water under shingles, and flood ceilings in January and February.
Spring brings rain that overwhelms Chicago combined sewer system in many neighborhoods. Sewer backups in finished basements are routine. Sump pump failures during the same storms compound the problem. Summer is severe-thunderstorm season. Fall is the relatively quiet season, used for catching up on chronic moisture problems before winter starts the cycle again.
The Sewer Backup Problem
What Chicago homeowners need to know: Much of Chicago older sewer infrastructure is combined — stormwater and sanitary sewage share the same pipes. During heavy rain, the system overloads and backs up through basement floor drains. The water that comes up is Category 3 sewage. Most standard homeowners policies exclude this kind of backup unless you carry a sewer/drain backup endorsement. Confirm yours before the next storm.
Chicago Neighborhoods We Cover
Lincoln Park · Lakeview · Wicker Park · Bucktown · Logan Square · Old Town · River North · Streeterville · Gold Coast · Lincoln Square · Andersonville · Edgewater · Uptown · Loop · West Loop · South Loop · Pilsen · Little Village · Bridgeport · Hyde Park · Beverly · Evanston · Skokie · Wilmette · Oak Park · Cicero · Naperville · Schaumburg · Arlington Heights
Frequently Asked Questions — Chicago
My basement flooded after a heavy rain. Is it sewer backup?
Probably, yes. Chicago has combined sewer infrastructure in much of the city — stormwater and sanitary sewage share the same pipes. During heavy rain, the system overloads and backs up through basement floor drains. This is Category 3 water, requires full PPE and containment, and is covered only if you carry a sewer/drain backup endorsement.
What is an ice dam and why does my ceiling leak in February?
Ice dams form when heat escaping into the attic melts snow on the upper roof; the meltwater runs down to the colder eaves and refreezes, trapping the next round of meltwater. That trapped water then backs up under the shingles and through the roof deck into ceilings below.
Polar vortex coming. What should I do to protect my pipes?
Open cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls, set faucets to a slow drip on exterior-wall fixtures, keep the thermostat at 65°F or higher even when away, and locate your main shut-off valve.
How fast can you reach my property in the city and suburbs?
Chicago city neighborhoods: 45–75 minutes. Near western suburbs and North Shore: 60–90 minutes. Northwest, western, and southwestern outer suburbs: 75–105 minutes. Winter weather adds time.
Does my insurance cover Chicago sewer backup?
Only if you carry a sewer/drain backup endorsement on your homeowners policy. Most standard policies exclude it. Limits typically range from $5,000 to $25,000. Worth confirming with your agent.