When a pipe burst inside a bank in the Norwood Park neighborhood the night after Christmas, water spread quickly through multiple customer and employee areas.
We received the emergency call at 9 PM and mobilized immediately.
Our team arrived on-site to stop further damage, begin extraction, and stabilize the property so banking operations could resume as soon as possible.
What Caused the Damage
The incident occurred after business hours when a pipe burst in the ceiling.
With freezing temperatures common in Chicago during late December, the plumbing system failed and released water into several connected areas of the bank.
Because the issue wasn’t discovered immediately, water traveled through carpeted areas, behind baseboards, and into wall cavities before it was reported.
We responded quickly to prevent further structural damage, protect sensitive areas like the vault, and minimize business interruption.
How We Restored the Bank
Due to the size of the building and the number of affected rooms, each area required a targeted mitigation plan.
We worked methodically to remove wet materials, extract water, sanitize surfaces, and dry the structure using commercial-grade equipment.
Vault Room
- Removed baseboards around the entire perimeter.
- Performed a 2-foot flood cut around the perimeter to access wet drywall.
- One wall contained double-layer drywall with insulation, which we removed to eliminate trapped moisture.
- Completed full carpet water extraction.
- Vacuumed, cleaned, deodorized, and sanitized all exposed surfaces.
We monitored moisture levels carefully to ensure structural materials inside this high-security area were fully dried.
North Common Hallway
- Performed full carpet water extraction.
- Vacuumed, cleaned, deodorized, and sanitized flooring and lower wall surfaces.
Because hallways connect multiple rooms, we paid close attention to prevent moisture from migrating into unaffected areas.
North Lobby
- We installed containment barriers to protect customer-facing finishes and fixtures.
- Removed baseboards around the perimeter.
- Completed a 2-foot flood cut around the affected walls.
- Performed carpet water extraction.
- Vacuumed, cleaned, deodorized, and sanitized the space.
Main Lobby
- Completed full carpet water extraction.
- Vacuumed, cleaned, deodorized, and sanitized all affected flooring.
- Installed containment barriers to separate damaged areas from unaffected sections of the bank.
South Lobby
- Removed baseboards on one affected wall.
- Performed carpet water extraction.
- Vacuumed, cleaned, deodorized, and sanitized the area.
Teller Area
- Removed baseboards around the perimeter.
- Performed 2-foot flood cuts on two walls.
- Tore out one full-height wall due to saturation.
- Detached lower cabinets and countertops to access trapped moisture behind and beneath them.
- Completed carpet water extraction.
- Vacuumed, cleaned, deodorized, and sanitized all exposed surfaces.
We coordinated closely with management to ensure sensitive equipment and financial systems were protected throughout the process.
Bathroom
- Removed baseboards around the perimeter.
- Completed a 2-foot flood cut around affected walls.
- Detached vanity and countertop to access moisture behind fixtures.
- Performed water extraction.
- Cleaned and sanitized all surfaces thoroughly.
Bathrooms are high-risk areas for mold growth, so we applied antimicrobial treatments after drying.
Rear Hallway
- Carpet water extraction.
- Vacuumed, cleaned, deodorized, and sanitized.
We placed air movers strategically to ensure proper airflow through this narrow space.
Break Room
- Removed baseboards around the perimeter.
- Performed 2-foot flood cuts on three walls.
- Completed carpet water extraction.
- Vacuumed, cleaned, deodorized, and sanitized.
Because cabinetry and appliances were present, we carefully inspected surrounding wall cavities and subflooring for hidden moisture.
The Outcome
Our team completed water extraction, structural drying, and full sanitization across every affected room.
We confirmed that moisture levels had returned to normal before leaving the site.
Our after-hours response on a holiday weekend kept the damage from spreading further and helped the bank minimize downtime.
The facility was left clean, dry, and ready for reconstruction and reopening.
If You’re Dealing With a Burst Pipe in a Commercial Property
Pipes burst all the time during Chicago winters, especially when buildings sit empty over the holidays.
If your business experiences a similar issue:
- Shut off the main water supply immediately.
- Call ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba right away. The longer water remains in the building, the more damage it causes, and the more costly repairs become.
- Don’t assume carpet will dry on its own. Moisture seeps into padding and subfloors, creating mold risks.
- Inspect wall cavities. Water often hides behind drywall and baseboards.
- Act quickly after holidays or long closures. Freezing temperatures and vacant buildings increase the risk of burst pipes.
If you’re dealing with water damage in your bank, office, or commercial building in Norwood Park or anywhere in Chicago, we are ready to respond 24/7.
Call us at: (773) 647-1985
