The 5 Best Commercial Water Damage Service Providers in Chicago, IL

Water damage spreads quickly, and you need to make sure you’ll get help as soon as possible.

You want a team that shows up on time, resolves the issue, and allows you to resume your normal operations.

If you run a business in Chicago, these commercial water damage restoration specialists are the most reputable in the region, each providing a tailored fit for your space, budget, and timeline.

Best Water Damage Services for Businesses in Chicago

1. ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba: Best Overall

ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba (also known as ServiceMaster by Zaba) has been working with Chicago businesses since 2008.

With headquarters in Chicago, they have a good grasp of the city’s restoration building codes, the permitting process, as well as the idiosyncrasies that come with restoring older or custom-constructed buildings.

Moreover, they are a franchise of ServiceMaster Restore, so in case you need additional equipment or staff, they are able to scale up without issue.

ServiceMaster by Zaba provides a broad range of commercial restoration services, such as flood water extraction, sewage cleanup, burst pipe damage cleanup, structural drying, mold remediation, and content cleaning.

Pros:

• Guaranteed emergency response within 60-90 minutes
• Excellent knowledge of local regulations and building requirements
• Provides full-service restoration
• Negotiates directly with your insurance company to expedite claims approval.
• Locally owned with a national backing
• Dedicated project manager

Cons:

• Surge in demand caused by widespread weather events e.g. heavy rains may impact response timesDoes not service the South Side of Chicago

Best for: Chicago-based businesses needing urgent local assistance from teams with regional knowledge and experience in restoration emergencies.

2. ServiceMaster of Lake Shore: Best for Businesses Based in Downtown Chicago

ServiceMaster of Lake Shore has been serving downtown Chicago since 1996.

They specialize in commercial water damage restoration and have a reputation for arriving on site very quickly in the Loop and surrounding areas.

Their team is skilled in rapid response mitigation to minimize downtime for office and retail recovery.

Pros:

• Their office is located in downtown Chicago, so they can respond to requests in the core areas much quicker
• Catered to commercial clients like medical clinics, retail stores, schools, and even restaurants for decades
• Offers water damage reconstruction and cleanup services all in one place.

Cons:

• Smaller staff compared to larger franchises, which may limit availability during peak demand

Best for: Offices and retail stores located in the Downtown area that require minimal disruption and quick restoration turnaround.

3. Restoration 1 of Chicago Southland: Best for South Side Coverage

While Restoration 1 has locations across the country, the Southland franchise focuses on the South Side of Chicago and its surrounding suburbs.

They provide excellent customer service and communication for water damage restoration.

Their crews are IICRC certified and trained for both small and large commercial jobs.

Pros:

• Focused coverage of South Side Chicago communities
• Provides clear, upfront estimates without hidden costs
• Known for clear communication and updates throughout the project

Cons:

• The franchise model means service can vary by crew

Best for: South Side businesses needing certified technicians and consistent communication throughout the job.

4. 1-800 Water Damage of South Side Chicago: Best for Small Southside Businesses

From their location in Alsip, 1-800 Water Damage services neighborhoods south of Chicago, like Oak Lawn and Evergreen Park.

Their IICRC-certified experts perform water, mold, and sewage removal.

Pros:

• Locally owned and operated on the South Side
• Tailored interaction and direct contact with owners
• Services small to mid-sized businesses for water damage jobs

Cons:

• Smaller staff means limited capacity during large-scale events

Best for: Shops and other businesses based in the neighborhood and communities situated in the southern region who are looking for direct and personalized local services.

5. DPM Water & Fire Rescue Pros: Best for Personalized Local Service

DPM Water & Fire Rescue Pros is a smaller restoration company based in and serving the South Side of Chicago.

They respond to water damage emergencies with a neighborhood-level, expedited response.

As they are operated locally, they offer more personalized services than larger chains and are often praised for their hands-on approach.

Pros:

• Locally based, focused on the South Side
• Prompt response for smaller-scale emergencies
• More personal interaction and service compared to large providers

Cons:

• Very large commercial jobs are hard to handle because of smaller teams

Best for: Businesses located and operating in the South Side who require immediate and direct response for water emergencies.

Head-to-Head Comparison

What to Look For in a Restoration Company

Experience with Commercial Buildings

Commercial spaces are complex. Your restoration team should know how to navigate elevators, sprinkler systems, drop ceilings, and HVAC – all without missing hidden water damage.

Willingness to Work Around Your Schedule

Some companies only work during business hours. Others are more flexible.

Ask if they’re willing to work nights or weekends, or split the job into phases so you can stay open.

Chicago-Specific Experience

You need a team that knows the local permitting process and building codes. That can make a big difference in how quickly everything gets approved and finished.

Capacity and Equipment

Large commercial properties require specialized equipment and resources. Choose a company with enough staff and equipment to finish the job on schedule.

Insurance Help

Filing a claim can be a hassle. Good providers know how to work with adjusters, write up clean reports, and save you from dealing with the paperwork.

Certifications and Real References

Ask about training, certifications, and past jobs. If they’ve worked with businesses like yours, that’s a good sign they’ll know how to help you, too.

Final Thoughts

Water damage can feel overwhelming, but with the right team, recovery doesn’t have to be.

Whether you’re managing a single storefront or a string of properties, having a trusted water damage restoration partner can save you time, money, and stress.

ServiceMaster by Zaba is a strong all-around choice, especially if you want speed and thorough service.

Call now for immediate help: (773) 647-1985