What should I do first if my Wheaton home has water damage?
Keep clear of water near outlets and the electrical panel, stop the source, photograph everything and call a water damage restoration company. Press 1 on our line and we connect you with a local one.
- The CDC says never to switch power while standing in water.
- For a pipe or appliance leak, close the main water shutoff.
- For sewage from a floor drain, stop using water and call the city (below).
- Photograph and video before cleanup for your insurer.
Who do I call about a sewer backup in Wheaton?
The City of Wheaton Sewer Division at 630-260-2121, weekdays 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The city says to call 9-1-1 for after-hours sewer emergencies.
Call before a plumber so the city can check whether the problem is in its sewer system or your private line. If the city's main is clear, you will need a plumber for your line. Once the backup stops, sewage cleanup is IICRC Category 3 work, which the EPA says calls for a professional experienced with contaminated water. See sewer backup cleanup.
Does Wheaton help pay to stop repeat backups?
Yes. Wheaton's Residential Sewer Backup Prevention Program reimburses 75 percent of qualifying repair costs, up to $8,000, for rerouting basement-level sanitary drains to an ejector pump to stop repeat backups.
The city asks you to call Public Works at 630-260-2110 to find out whether your repair qualifies before you start, and the program packet includes a pre-qualification form. As with every program like this, the paperwork comes before the work.
Will insurance cover my Wheaton water damage?
It depends on the source. A sudden burst pipe is generally covered. Sewer backups usually need a backup endorsement. Flood from outside is not covered by a standard homeowners policy.
The Illinois Department of Insurance says standard homeowners policies do not cover flood, and the Insurance Information Institute says sewer backups are not covered by a typical homeowners policy or by flood insurance without an endorsement. Our Illinois insurance guide goes through each case.
How soon does drying need to start?
The EPA says dry water-damaged areas within 24 to 48 hours to prevent mold growth.
That is the practical reason to call early. A restoration company extracts water, removes what cannot be saved and dries the structure with dehumidifiers and air movers, checking moisture readings as it goes. The Naperville water damage guide covers the process, costs and how to choose a company.
Do I need a permit to rebuild in Wheaton?
Check with the City of Wheaton before rebuilding. Permit rules are local and are not the same as Naperville's.
Cleanup and drying generally do not need a permit. Rebuilding framing, drywall, electrical or plumbing often does.
Do you cover all of Wheaton?
Yes. We connect you with a local water damage restoration company, which confirms it serves your address.
Wheaton borders Naperville, Warrenville, Lisle, Glen Ellyn, Winfield, West Chicago, Carol Stream and Glendale Heights. Other nearby towns we cover: Aurora, Plainfield, Bolingbrook, Lisle, Warrenville.