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Water Damage Restoration in Oak Park, IL

Oak Park's historic homes have deep basements, original plaster and plumbing that has been reworked for a century. When water gets in, call and we will help you dry it out with care for what can be saved.

Call now: (708) 360-8574
  • Water removal and drying
  • Sewer backup cleanup
  • Photos and moisture logs for insurance
The 1909 Mrs. Thomas H. Gale House in Oak Park, Illinois

Before help arrives

Then call. We will take it from there.

  1. 1Shut off the main water valve if the leak is from plumbing.
  2. 2Turn off power to wet rooms, only if you can reach the breaker without standing in water.
  3. 3Photograph the damage before you move anything.
  4. 4Move valuables and electronics to a dry room.

Why do Oak Park basements flood?

Oak Park's sewers connect to the regional MWRD system, which caps how much water they can carry. When heavy rain exceeds both systems, sewage and storm water back up into basements. The Village says the northeast part of Oak Park is the lowest and most affected. More than six inches of rain on July 2, 2023 flooded at least 163 homes.

Last updated .

Why Oak Park homes take on water

Wet drywall being removed from a finished basement

Almost all of Oak Park's housing was built between 1892 and 1950: Queen Anne, Prairie School and Craftsman houses, two-flats and courtyard apartment buildings. Original plaster, hardwood and woodwork are worth saving, and they need careful drying.

Sewer backups, especially in the northeast

The Village explains that its sewers are limited by the capacity of the MWRD system they drain into. When a storm overwhelms both, water backs up into basements, and soil pressure can push seepage through foundation cracks. The northeast quadrant of the village is the lowest point and is hit hardest.

July 2, 2023

More than six inches of rain fell on Oak Park during the July 2023 flash flood. The Village's later estimate put flooded basements at 163 or more homes, many in the northeast corner.

Help with backup protection

The Village's Sewer Backup Protection Grant Program covers half the cost of an overhead sewer or backflow prevention system, up to $3,500, for eligible homeowners. The Village recommends an overhead sewer for anyone using a basement as living space. See the Village's basement flooding page.

Where we work in Oak Park

Crews cover all of Oak Park, including:

  • Northeast Oak Park
  • Frank Lloyd Wright Historic District
  • Ridgeland–Oak Park Historic District
  • Harrison Street
  • Downtown Oak Park (Lake Street)
  • Madison Street
  • South Oak Park near Roosevelt Road
  • Austin Boulevard

Travel time

Just north of Cicero across Roosevelt Road, usually 5 to 10 minutes. Call for a realistic arrival time.

Call now: (708) 360-8574

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Water damage questions from Oak Park

Can original plaster walls be saved after water damage?

Often, yes, if the water was clean and drying starts quickly. Plaster dries slower than drywall and needs daily moisture readings. Plaster soaked by sewer water should be removed.

Does Oak Park help pay for overhead sewers?

The Village's Sewer Backup Protection Grant Program covers 50% of eligible costs up to $3,500. Overhead sewer work needs a permit.

What is an overhead sewer?

A system that raises the lowest drain in the basement and pumps wastewater up to the sewer line, with a check valve, so the street sewer cannot back up into the basement.

Do you work in historic district homes?

Yes. Drying and removal are planned to keep original woodwork, plaster and flooring wherever it can be saved.

Also serving nearby

Sources

General information only, not insurance or legal advice.

Water damage in Oak Park? Call now.

Shut off the water if you can do it safely, keep away from wet outlets, and call. We will talk you through the next few minutes and get help moving.

(708) 360-8574Call now
Call now: (708) 360-8574