Water Damage Restoration in Riverside, IL
Riverside was laid out along the curves of the Des Plaines River, and the river still sets its flood risk. When water gets into your home, call and we will help you clean up and dry it carefully.
- Water removal and drying
- Sewer backup cleanup
- Photos and moisture logs for insurance
Before help arrives
Then call. We will take it from there.
- 1Shut off the main water valve if the leak is from plumbing.
- 2Turn off power to wet rooms, only if you can reach the breaker without standing in water.
- 3Photograph the damage before you move anything.
- 4Move valuables and electronics to a dry room.
Does the Des Plaines River flood Riverside homes?
Yes, in major floods. On April 19, 2013, the Des Plaines River at Riverside crested at a record 11.42 feet, beating the 9.9-foot record from August 1987, and about 200 residences near West, Groveland and Lincoln avenues were evacuated. Between river floods, most water damage comes from storms, sump pumps and aging plumbing.
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Why Riverside homes take on water
Riverside was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux in 1869 around the winding Des Plaines River, and much of the village is a National Historic Landmark district. Homes from the 1870s through the 1950s, with plaster, hardwood and original woodwork, are worth drying carefully rather than tearing out.
Record river floods
The National Weather Service recorded the Des Plaines River at Riverside at 11.42 feet on April 19, 2013, a new record over the 9.9-foot crest of August 1987. Groveland Avenue was closed for three days, First Avenue was closed into the following week, and about 200 residences in the area of West, Groveland and Lincoln avenues were evacuated.
A changed river
In 2012, the Hofmann Dam just downstream was partly removed to restore a free-flowing river and improve habitat and water quality. River levels in big floods still depend mostly on how much rain falls across the whole watershed.
Storms and old plumbing
Most years, Riverside's water damage comes from heavy rain overwhelming sump pumps and drains, frozen pipes in older homes, and leaks between floors.
Where we work in Riverside
Crews cover all of Riverside, including:
- Groveland Avenue
- West Avenue
- Lincoln Avenue
- Near Swan Pond
- Downtown near the Metra station
- Near the Riverside Golf Club
- Longcommon Road area
- Harlem Avenue
Travel time
Southwest of Cicero past Berwyn, usually 10 to 15 minutes. Call for a realistic arrival time.
Call now: (708) 360-8574Most requested in Riverside
Riverside flood damage cleanup
For Des Plaines River flooding and heavy storms.
Drying historic plaster and hardwood in Riverside
For older homes where original materials are worth saving.
Flooded basement cleanup in Riverside
For seepage, sump pump failures and storm water.
See every water damage service we offer in Riverside.
Water damage questions from Riverside
Where can I check the river level?
The National Weather Service gauge for the Des Plaines River at Riverside shows the current level, forecast and flood stages.
Do I need flood insurance in Riverside?
If your home is near the river, strongly consider it. Homeowners insurance does not cover river flooding, and flood policies usually take 30 days to begin.
Can historic plaster and woodwork be saved?
After clean-water damage, often yes, with careful drying and daily readings. River water is contaminated, so materials it soaked usually have to be removed.
How quickly can someone get to Riverside?
Usually 10 to 15 minutes from Cicero. During river floods some streets close, so ask for a realistic arrival time.
Also serving nearby
Sources
- National Weather Service Chicago: April 17-18, 2013 Flooding
- Riverside-Brookfield Landmark: One for the record books (April 2013 flood)
- NOAA National Water Prediction Service: Des Plaines River at Riverside
- Cook County: Hofmann Dam Removal Project on the Des Plaines River
General information only, not insurance or legal advice.
Water damage in Riverside? 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.