Water damage problems
Pick the problem closest to yours. Each guide explains how to tell what you're dealing with, what to do before help arrives, what a restoration provider typically does, and how to reduce the chance of it happening again.
Water damage restoration
Any water that got where it shouldn't: leaks, overflows, storm water.
Flooded basement
Standing water after a storm, a failed pump or seepage.
Burst or frozen pipes
Supply lines that split, usually in a cold snap.
Sump pump failure
Pump quit, power went out, or it couldn't keep up.
Sewer backup
Dirty water from floor drains, toilets or laundry tubs.
Mold after water damage
Musty smell or growth after a leak or flood.
Not sure which one it is?
The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District suggests a simple way to sort it out:
| What you see | Likely source | Guide |
|---|---|---|
| Clear water coming through cracks in walls or floor | Seepage / groundwater | Flooded basement |
| Water coming up from floor drains, toilets or tubs | Sewer backup | Sewer backup |
| Water near the sump pit, pit overflowing | Pump failure or overwhelmed pump | Sump pump failure |
| Water spraying or dripping from a pipe or ceiling | Plumbing leak | Burst pipes |
| Water entering through windows or doors | Overland flooding | Water damage |
Need a restoration provider now?
One free call connects you with an independent local water damage provider. This site is a referral service, not a contractor.
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Local facts on this page come from these public sources. Programs, amounts and phone numbers change — confirm with the agency before relying on them.