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Frequently Asked Questions

What You Can Expect

Straightforward answers about our process, response times, and services.

What are the most common causes of water damage in homes?

The most common causes include burst or leaking pipes, appliance malfunctions (dishwashers, washing machines, water heaters), roof leaks, sewer backups, sump pump failures, and severe weather flooding. In Chicago specifically, frozen pipes in winter and basement flooding from heavy rainfall are extremely common. Even a slow, hidden leak behind a wall can cause serious damage over time if left undetected.

Water damage is classified into three categories. Category 1 (“clean water”) comes from sources like broken supply lines or faucets. Category 2 (“gray water”) contains contaminants from appliance overflows or sump pump failures. Category 3 (“black water”) is the most hazardous — it includes sewage backups and floodwater. The category determines what safety precautions and restoration methods are needed, so proper classification is a critical first step.

Mold can begin growing within 24 to 48 hours after water exposure, given the right temperature and humidity. That’s why emergency water damage response is so urgent — the faster standing water is removed and drying begins, the lower the risk of a mold problem developing. After 72 hours, mold colonization can become significant and much harder (and more expensive) to remediate.

Watch for musty or damp odors, unexplained stains or discoloration on walls and ceilings, bubbling or peeling paint, warped or buckling flooring, and a sudden spike in your water bill. You might also notice soft or spongy drywall, visible mold spots along baseboards, or condensation forming on windows more than usual. If anything looks or smells off, it’s worth getting a professional moisture inspection.

Any situation where water is actively flooding your home, a pipe has burst, sewage is backing up, or standing water is present qualifies as an emergency. Also consider it urgent if water is near electrical panels or outlets, if structural elements are saturated, or if the water source is Category 2 or 3 (contaminated). In these situations, call a restoration company immediately — don’t wait until morning.

Absolutely — winter is actually one of the highest-risk seasons. Frozen pipes can burst when temperatures drop, ice dams on roofs force water under shingles, and snow melt can overwhelm drainage systems. In Chicago, where temperatures regularly dip well below freezing, winter pipe bursts are one of the leading causes of residential water damage. Keeping your home properly heated — even when away — is essential prevention.

No, and that’s what makes it so dangerous. Water can travel along pipes, beams, and inside wall cavities before showing any surface-level signs. By the time you see a stain on your ceiling or notice a musty smell, the damage behind the scenes may already be significant. Professional moisture detection tools — like infrared cameras and moisture meters — can identify hidden damage that the naked eye cannot.

What should I do immediately after discovering water damage?

First, ensure everyone’s safety and shut off the water source if you can. Turn off electricity in affected areas if it’s safe to do so. Move valuables and furniture away from standing water. Document everything with photos and video for your insurance claim. Then call a professional water damage restoration company right away — the first 24 to 48 hours are critical for minimizing damage and preventing mold growth.

Yes. Redefined Restoration offers 24/7 emergency response across the Chicagoland area. Water damage doesn’t wait for business hours, and neither do they. You can call (708) 719-6282 any time — day, night, weekends, or holidays — and speak with a team member who can dispatch a crew to your property quickly.

Redefined Restoration aims to have a crew on-site within 60 to 90 minutes of your call in the Chicagoland area, depending on location and conditions. For active emergencies — like a burst pipe or sewage backup — response time is prioritized. The initial visit includes an assessment of damage, identification of the water source, and the start of emergency mitigation like water extraction.