Guides
Guides for Illinois homeowners
Practical steps, written for the moment you need them, and checked against the EPA, the IICRC standard and Illinois's insurance rules. Guides that apply in every state are shared with our national guide library.
In an emergency
Water damage: what to do in the first hourSafety, shutoff, documentation and drying, in order.The first 24 hours after a house fireSoot, odor, insurance and where to stay.Printable emergency checklistOne page to keep by the water heater.Sewer backup in your basementSafe cleanup, whose pipe failed, and coverage.Roof leaking into the houseCatch the water, protect the ceiling, tarp safely and file the claim.Washer, dishwasher, fridge and toilet leaksWhich valve to close, and the hoses that fail most.Water heater leakingShut it down, find the leak, repair or replace.
Understanding the damage
Mold after water damageThe 24 to 48 hour window and when to call a pro.Basement flooding and sump pumpsFive sources of basement water and how each is handled.Basement waterproofing in IllinoisDrainage, sump pumps and sealing, and what each fixes.Frozen pipes in IllinoisFreeze risk by county, prevention and thawing.Ice dams and ceiling leaksWhy they form, safe removal, and the attic fix.Clean, gray or black waterThe three categories and four classes of water damage.Signs of hidden water damageStains, smells, soft floors and the water meter test.How long water damage takes to dryTypical drying times by material, and what dry really means.Black mold: what it is and what to doWhy color doesn't matter, health effects, and when testing helps.Crawl space water and moldWhere the water comes from, and vapor barriers vs. encapsulation.
Money and insurance
Filing a water damage claim in IllinoisCoverage, your duties, and your insurer's deadlines.Choosing a restoration companyQuestions, paperwork, red flags and your Illinois cancellation rights.Cost estimatorA quick range for your square footage and water type.Does homeowners insurance cover water damage?Sudden vs. gradual, flood, sewer backup, and mold limits.What restoration costs2026 national ranges and what moves them.