Do you know how to safely put out a grease fire?

As Chicago’s largest fire restoration company, we have 15+ years of experience helping homeowners deal with the aftermath of kitchen fires. 

We want you to know what to do before it happens to you.

Safety Considerations

1. Turn Off the Heat

Before you do anything else, turn off the heat source and move the pan off the hot burner if you can safely do so. 

2. Know What Not to Put on a Grease Fire

Techniques that put out ordinary fires make grease fires worse. 

Much like electrical fires, these emergencies require special precautions. 

With that in mind, never use the following on a grease fire:

• Water – Water on a grease fire vaporizes instantly, causing a steam explosion that spreads flames.
• Flour – Flour on a grease fire fills the air with particles that ignite and burst into flames.
• Baking Powder – Unlike baking soda, baking powder will ignite when thrown on a grease fire.
• Dinnerware – Covering a grease fire with a plate can result in an explosion that turns ceramic into shrapnel.

3. Don’t try to Move the Pot

In addition to the tips above, never attempt to move the pot or pan outside since this puts you at risk of injury and can spread the fire to other areas of the house. Additionally, never add sugar or attempt to cover the fire with a wet or dry cloth, towel, or other flammable material. 

4. Call 911 if Needed

If you can’t put out the fire, don’t take any chances.

Flames in the kitchen can turn into a house fire in less than 30 seconds. Shout out an alarm to everyone inside, and follow these steps.

• Evacuate – Leave the house immediately, closing doors behind you.
• Call 911 – Wait until you’re in a safe location outside before calling 911.
• Stay Put – Don’t reenter your home until firefighters give you the all-clear.

How to Put Out a Grease Fire: 4 Effective Ways

Small grease fires can be extinguished in several ways. 

These methods are effective on grease fires in pans on the stovetop but always be prepared to evacuate the kitchen just in case.

1. Cover with a Pan Lid 

After you’ve turned off the heat source, cover the pan with a snug-fitting lid. Avoid glass or ceramic pan lids since these can shatter in high temperatures. 

If possible, put the pan on the lid using a long wooden spoon or a pair of kitchen tongs since this prevents you from getting too close to the fire and risking injuries. If you can’t find a lid, you can use another pan to smother the fire. 

Be careful not to jolt the pan. Movement can splash hot oil or grease and spread the flames.

Safety Tip: Don’t use an oven mitt to place the lid over the pan because the mitt fabric can catch fire. 

2. Cover With a Cookie Sheet

This method works well on frying pans and larger pots. Slide a metal cookie sheet into place over the flames and leave it. Don’t touch the sheet again until it’s had time to cool down.

Safety Tip: After the cookie sheet cools down, remove it and check for signs of damage on the pan. Extremely high temperatures can have a negative impact on the chemicals in non-stick coatings and may cause the surface coating to flake off in small flecks. Because of this, we recommend replacing any non-stick pan that has caught fire or overheated. 

3. Douse with Baking Soda or Salt

Put out the fire by smothering the flames with as much baking soda or salt as you have on hand. 

As you do this, drop the substance directly on the fire since a sideways toss can cause flames to leap out of the pan and spread across the stovetop.

Safety Tip: When you’re cooking, make it a habit to keep a box of salt or baking soda within easy reach. Storing either one in an attractive container dresses up the countertop.

4. Use a Class K Fire Extinguisher

Put out the fire with a Class K grease fire extinguisher. While class B and multi-use fire extinguishers work on most kitchen fires, Class K extinguishers are formulated for safe use on combustible cooking liquids.

Don’t try to put out a grease fire with a Class A-only extinguisher because the formula within these units is water-based and will make the grease fire worse. 

Safety Tip: Keep the fire extinguisher within easy reach in a lower cabinet next to the stove. Don’t crowd it with pots and pans. Make sure everyone knows where it’s stored.

Putting Out Grease Fires in Specific Locations

Ovens

Grease fires can easily ignite in gas and electric ovens. Stay calm. Leave the oven door closed. Opening it feeds oxygen to the flames inside and exposes you to intense heat. Wait for the fire to extinguish itself. If it spreads outside the oven, evacuate the house and call 911.

Microwaves

Cooking bacon in a microwave oven is a quick and convenient way to prepare breakfast. 

However, this time-saver can also ignite a grease fire inside the microwave. Don’t panic.

Leave the door closed, and unplug the microwave. This stops the fan from circulating oxygen that feeds the flames.

On the Grill

Grease fires aren’t confined to the kitchen. Backyard chefs need to be vigilant, too. If the grill flares up, turn off the fuel source immediately. Smother the fire with baking soda, salt, or sand, and close the lid. If the fire doesn’t go out in 30 seconds, use the extinguisher.

Near a Turkey Fryer

Deep-frying a turkey creates a fire hazard that doesn’t respond to covering or smothering. Always be ready with a Class K extinguisher.

How Does a Grease Fire Start?

Unlike protein fires, most grease or oil fires start when the liquid reaches its smoking point. 

That temperature varies depending on the type of oil used during the cooking process. 

In general, smoking points for most oils and animal fats range from 350 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Here’s a quick overview of when different cooking oils and fats start to smoke and catch fire:

Once the liquid overheats, it begins to smoke and quickly reaches a temperature that causes it to combust.

A grease fire can also ignite when hot oil in the pan spills onto the heat source. Even small grease splatters can create a fire by coming in contact with electric or gas burners.

Preventing Grease Fires

First, always keep a Class K fire extinguisher within easy reach. Make sure you and everyone in the house know how to use the extinguisher in case of an emergency. 

In addition to keeping a fire extinguisher on hand, follow these simple tips for preventing grease fires:

1. Stick with recommended oil temperatures by monitoring grease with a cooking thermometer.
2. Don’t add frozen or wet foods to hot grease. 
3. Avoid grease splatters by gently lowering food into the pan.
4. Never leave the kitchen unattended. 
5. Insist that kids follow fire safety rules by not playing near the stove while someone’s cooking.
6. Keep flammables away from the heat source. These include wooden utensils, oven mitts, dish towels, and even the sleeves of your clothing.
7. Keep the stovetop and oven clean. Wipe out burner drip pans and routinely check underneath them for missed spills and accumulated crumbs.
8. Pay attention to the oil while you’re cooking. If it begins to darken or starts to boil, turn off the burner right away. Step back, but stay in the kitchen until the oil cools down.
9. When hot oils begin to boil and smoke, a grease fire could be just seconds away. If you smell smoke or burning oil, don’t stop to investigate. Immediately turn off the stovetop or oven, and be careful not to move the pan.
10. Keep a lid near the stovetop, even if you don’t need it – it may come in handy to smother a grease fire. Additionally, cook with a lid on your pots whenever possible. 
11. Finally, develop a home fire safety plan. Practice evacuation with the family several times a year. Make adjustments as the children grow older or you change your home’s layout. Check smoke alarm batteries, and keep up with expiration dates on your fire extinguishers.

What to Do About Fire Damage

If you have fire damage after a grease fire in your kitchen, follow these tips:

• Call your insurance company and get a claim number
• Don’t throw away fire-damaged items until your insurance company tells you it’s okay to do so. If you throw items out prematurely, you may be tampering with evidence. 
• Cleaning up after fire damage can be dangerous and difficult, so we recommend contacting a fire damage restoration contractor like ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba for additional assistance. 

Dealing with a Kitchen Fire Disaster in Chicago or the Suburbs? We Can Help!

Cleaning up after a grease fire isn’t easy. It’s even harder when soot and smoke spread from the stove to other rooms in the house. 

ServiceMaster by Zaba specializes in kitchen fire damage cleanup for homes in Chicago and its Suburbs, and we handle commercial kitchen fire damage restoration too.

Stay safe while you’re cooking, and keep that extinguisher handy. We’re always here when you need us with a 24/7 response to your call: 773-647-1985.

The post How to Quickly Put Out a Grease Fire appeared first on ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba.

Stagnant water is an easily overlooked nuisance that can create all kinds of problems at your home or business.

By the time you notice the foul smell, stagnant water is already seeping into your house or building. It quickly begins breeding microorganisms that cause serious illnesses.

As Chicago’s leading water damage restoration company, we understand the structural risks and the threats to your health.

This guide outlines what causes stagnant water, why it’s so dangerous and how to clean it up. We also offer tips on preventing standing water inside and out.

What Is Stagnant Water?

Stagnant water forms when there is no longer a natural or mechanically generated current.

It can happen in a park pond or a flooded home basement. It can occur in the plumbing network of a commercial building or manufacturing site.

There isn’t a definitive measure for standing water.

Mosquitoes breed in less than one-quarter inch of water in the yard. The potential for stagnant water in a hotel swimming pool can top 20,000 gallons.

Depending on the water’s volume and environment, a backyard puddle can become stagnant overnight. It might be two or three days before the pool turns green and begins to smell.

The source of standing water is also a critical factor. Storm flooding, heavy snowmelts and sewage backups leave behind dangerous stagnant water.

Classified as Category 3, these types of black water can easily contaminate plumbing and water distribution systems in homes and commercial properties.

How Does Water Become Stagnant?

There are many situations that interrupt water flow and result in stagnation. The problem impacts plumbing systems in both residential and commercial buildings.

These are the three most common sources of stagnant water.

1. Clean Sources

Water released through a slow plumbing leak or sudden pipe burst is usually Category 1 clean water. Left unattended, it quickly becomes stagnant. Rain dripping through the roof or around windows is initially classified as clean, but it becomes Category 2 as the water becomes stagnant in surrounding materials.

2. Contaminated Sources

Stagnant water classified as Category 2 gray water originates from contaminated sources. This type of water often results from dishwasher or washing machine leaks, broken sump pumps and interior wall leaks in basements.

3. Emergency Sources

Emergency conditions can flood a property with Category 3 black water or affect clean, external water supplies. It usually impacts multiple properties. The residual stagnant water quickly becomes a dangerous source of bacteria, parasites and chemicals.

It’s important to note that commercial buildings deal with unique sources of stagnant water. These are a few examples.

• Long-term shutdowns caused by natural or structural emergencies
• Low water usage due to building-wide vacancies
• Reduced usage during seasonal slowdowns
• Equipment failure in water towers and supply lines

The Dangers of Stagnant Water

Stagnant water attracts rodents and insects. As it soaks into a building’s structure, it damages wood, drywall and concrete. The odor spreads from floor to ceiling. Stagnant water also hosts dangerous microbial pathogens.

• Bacteria including salmonella, staphylococcus and E. coli
• Viruses such as Norwalk virus, hepatitis E. and rotavirus
• Parasites such as cryptosporidium, E. histolytica and giardia
• Unhealthy mycotoxins released by toxic black mold fungus
  
  

Stagnant water has the potential to transmit diseases through residential and commercial plumbing systems. In homes, it can affect water faucets, dishwashers and washing machines.

In commercial settings, contaminated water impacts point-of-use equipment. It causes bacterial biofilm to grow inside ice machines, drinking fountains and water faucets. This type of plumbing pathogen spreads quickly through a building. It’s very difficult to remediate.

How to Get Rid of Stagnant Water

It’s important to take care of stagnant water as soon as possible. Start by addressing the water source. If needed, call in water damage technicians who handle plumbing leak repairs. Follow these six steps to get rid of stagnant water.

1. Rent the Right Equipment

Keep the job manageable by renting water removal and drying equipment. Most home improvement stores lease submersible pumps, wet vacs, heavy-duty fans and dehumidifiers.

2. Remove Stagnant Water

First, pump out deep pools of standing water. Follow up with a wet vac to remove as much remaining water as possible. Finally, mop soaked floors, and wipe down wet walls with old towels.

3. Tear Out Damaged Materials

Don’t try to save soggy drywall, baseboards and carpets. The damaged materials are breeding grounds for mold and mildew. Remove everything affected by standing water. Be sure to extend tear-out zones well beyond wet areas.

4. Start the Drying Process

Position heavy-duty fans so that they circulate fresh air crosscurrents over damp surfaces. Run dehumidifiers and air-moving equipment 24/7. The drying process can take from three days to a week or more.

5. Clean and Disinfect

Clean all affected materials. Mix up a disinfecting solution with 1 cup of bleach and 1 gallon of water. Use it on non-porous surfaces to kill mold and bacteria. Sanitize porous materials with antibacterial spray products.

6. Replace and Restore

Give the area a few more days to completely dry. As you replace damaged materials, keep an eye out for residual moisture and mold. Eliminate foul odors and restore interior air quality by renting a HEPA-filtered air scrubber.

Power Tip: If you’re dealing with stagnant water left behind by storm flooding or sewage contamination, don’t try to clean it up yourself. Both are classified as Category 3 black water. Call in a certified water damage contractor who specializes in this type of hazardous cleanup.

Stagnant Water in Commercial Buildings

Once it’s been contaminated, a commercial building’s water supply system needs professional remediation. The extra measures are especially important after storm flooding or sewage backup.

You might need to flush the entire distribution system including point-of-use equipment and end-of-pipe devices.

Water filtration and softener systems may also need replacing, especially individual filters at drinking fountains and hand washing stations.

Bring in a licensed HVAC contractor to confirm the integrity of heating and cooling systems.

Consult with certified water damage specialists who know how to treat stagnant water in commercial buildings. They can develop an action plan specific to your property so that you can reopen for business quickly and safely.

Stagnant Water vs. Running Water in Commercial Buildings

Preventing stagnant water in commercial buildings involves additional challenges. These large systems constantly circulate water through an intricate plumbing network.

Equipment failure anywhere within the system can compromise fresh water throughout the entire property.

Performance, temperature, and humidity controls should be closely monitored on chillers, cooling towers, and heat exchangers. Make sure supply lines for all point-of-use stations are inspected on a regular basis.

Routine system maintenance is crucial to minimizing the risk of stagnant water contamination in commercial buildings.

Work with facility managers to develop inspection schedules specific to monitoring your property’s water supply.

How to Prevent Stagnant Water

Hidden leaks and plumbing problems happen in every home and business. It’s impossible to stop storms from leaving puddles in the yard.

Still, you can minimize the chances of water standing and becoming stagnant inside and out.

• Routinely check the plumbing for signs of trouble.
• Make sure shingles and gutters stay in good shape.
• Inspect weather seals around doors and windows.
• Eliminate low spots in back and front yards.
• Grade soil to drain away from your property’s foundation.

Dealing with Stagnant Water at Your Chicago Home or Business? We Can Help

It’s not always as simple as mopping the basement or waiting for the sun to dry up backyard puddles. Stagnant water can affect your health and your property’s structural integrity.

We specialize in all types of water removal including sewage cleanup and biohazard cleanup. When you’re dealing with stagnant water, you want Chicago’s most trusted water damage restoration services.

You need our teams here at ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba. We’re always ready for your call: 773-647-1985

The post Stagnant Water: Why It’s Dangerous and How to Get Rid of it appeared first on ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba.

It grows on all types of exterior surfaces, and it doesn’t care about age. Whether you’ve lived there for years or you just bought the house, green mold can quickly become a serious cleanup challenge.

How to Get Rid of Green Mold on Decks, Patios and Siding

That green mold on the outside of your house is the same unhealthy stuff you find inside your home. Airborne mold spores attach to exteriors and thrive on moisture in surface materials.

Our guide gives you everything you need to get rid of mold on wood, concrete and vinyl.

How to Remove Green Mold From Wood Decks

Shade keeps the deck inviting on a sunny day. Add moisture, and you’re dealing with green mold on wood flooring, stairs and railings.

Pressure washing can remove mold, but it’s a job best handled by cleaning professionals.

1. Mix one-third cup of laundry detergent with 1 gallon of water.
2. Use a broom or stiff bristle brush to scrub mold off wood surfaces.
3. Rinse well, and repeat if necessary.

You can also use a mix of one-half gallon white vinegar and one-half gallon water. Keep mold at bay by regularly sweeping leaves and debris off decks and steps.

How to Remove Green Mold From Concrete Patios

Most homeowners are surprised to see mold growing on concrete patios and sidewalks. However, the porous material can easily retain enough moisture to turn outdoor areas into mold-friendly environments.

Use these steps to clean up green mold on concrete around your home.

1. Prep affected areas by rinsing clean with a garden hose.
2. Mix 2 gallons of water, 1 cup of bleach and a few drops of dish soap.
3. Using a broom, saturate moldy concrete with your mixture.
4. Wait 15 minutes before rinsing with the hose.

You can reduce green mold outbreaks by improving drainage around patios and sidewalks. Repair concrete cracks as soon as they appear, and make sure joints stay clean and well-sealed.

How to Remove Green Mold From Vinyl Siding

It takes a little pre-planning to clean green mold off the exterior siding. Make sure the weather forecast is on your side. Stay safe by letting someone nearby know you’ll be working up on the ladder.

1. Mix a solution of 30% white vinegar and 70% water.
2. Clean mold from siding using a long-handled scrubber and working sections from top to bottom.
3. For tough mold removal jobs, use a product specially formulated to clean vinyl siding.

Slow down green mold growth on siding by keeping gutters and downspouts in good condition. Think about having your home’s vinyl siding pressure washed once or twice a year by a professional cleaning contractor.

Green Mold vs. Black Mold

Most exterior molds appear as large patches of green, but you may notice areas of black mold.

The most common black mold, Cladosporium, is usually an indoor problem. However, it does grow on exterior wood, concrete and vinyl.

Cladosporium and green molds aren’t considered as dangerous as Stachybotrys chartarum, commonly called toxic black mold. It’s impossible to know which type of mold is growing on surfaces without testing.

There are DIY test kits available that can help determine the type of mold growing on your home’s exteriors. The best professional cleaning companies also provide access to industry-certified mold testing services.

Is Green Mold Dangerous?

All types of mold can impact your health indoors and out. Green mold is no exception. The airborne spores are a natural part of our environment, but exposure to fungal growth does come with risks.

These are some of the symptoms you might experience from living around green mold.

• Nose, throat and eye irritation
• Chronic coughing and respiratory problems
• Headaches that seem to worsen when you’re home
• Hives, rashes and itchy skin conditions
• General feeling of fatigue even when well-rested
  
  

The effects of mold exposure are usually mild in most people. However, those with existing medical issues should always speak with a doctor about their concerns.

We Help With the Big Jobs

Cleaning exterior mold growth can quickly turn into a very big job. It can be dangerous too. If you have any doubts about the size of the project or your safety up on the ladder, give us a call at 773-647-1985.

We provide certified green mold removal services for Chicago, IL and suburbs and we handle power and pressure washing too.

When you need a little help with the big jobs, you can always count on ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba.

The post A Complete Guide to Removing Green Mold from Home Exteriors appeared first on ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba.

Are you sure you know how to put out an oven fire? How do you handle a flare-up in the microwave or toaster oven?

This guide covers the basics of extinguishing fires in all types of ovens. We also offer tips on common causes of oven fires and the best ways to prevent this kitchen disaster.

5 Emergency Steps for Putting Out Oven Fires

When you suddenly face an oven fire, knowing what to do and how to put it out can save your home and your life. While there are some differences in tactics depending on the type of appliance, these basic steps apply to all ovens.

1. Leave the door closed

Throwing open the oven door feeds oxygen to flames inside. It also exposes you to a dangerous blast that can cause serious injury. Leave the door closed until the fire goes out.

2. Turn everything off

Turn off the oven, and make sure top burners are off. As a precaution, unplug nearby appliances, and move everything away from the stove. Keep a very close eye on the flames.

3. Stay away from water

Water is not effective against oven and stove top fires. Throwing it on a grease fire spreads the flames, and water is very dangerous around electric appliances.

4. Reach for the extinguisher

The fire should go out on its on with the oven door closed, but be prepared. Get ready to use your kitchen fire extinguisher if flames spread up through the stove top.

5. Know when to call for help

If the flames don’t die down or you have any doubts about your safety, evacuate the house immediately. Call the fire department, and don’t go back inside until you get the all-clear from first responders.

Not every kitchen fire starts in a conventional oven. In addition to the above five steps, take these precautions when dealing with other types of oven fires.

• Electric Oven Fires – If you can’t unplug the stove, shut off the kitchen’s electric circuit breaker.
• Convection Oven Fires – Follow the same instructions for handling electric oven fires.
• Oven Broiler Fires – Smother small fires with salt or baking soda. Never use flour or baking powder.
• Toaster Oven Fires – Unplug the appliance, or flip the circuit breaker to the kitchen.
• Microwave Oven Fires – Unplug the microwave, or turn off the kitchen’s circuit breaker.

Why Oven Fires Happen

An average of more than 170,000 home fires start in the kitchen every year. It’s important to note the leading hazards that can cause a dangerous flare-up in your oven.

• Unattended cooking equipment or appliances
• Combustibles too close to heating elements
• Grease splatters from fatty foods
• Batter overflowing pans during baking
• Self-cleaning oven fires due to equipment malfunction

How to Prevent Them

The most important safety tip for preventing an oven fire is also one of the easiest to practice: Keep an eye on things. Don’t ever leave the room while you’re cooking. Follow these precautions too.

• Keep oven and broiler areas clean.
• Place a drip tray under items baking in the oven.
• An oven can catch fire if left on indefinitely, so never use it to heat the kitchen.
• Never try to dry any type of combustible materials in the oven.
• Treat equipment for annual maintenance by an appliance technician.

What to Do After an Oven Fire

It’s not easy to deal with the aftermath of an oven fire. Soot and smoke cleanup takes time and hard work.

It’s especially important to thoroughly clean the oven after a grease fire because leftover residue can start another flare-up.

If the job seems like more than you can handle, call a fire damage restoration company.

Certified technicians address soot removal and smoke odor elimination with high-tech equipment. They also get the work done quickly so that you can get back to enjoying your kitchen.

Never assume an oven that caught fire is safe to use. The risk is too great. Have the equipment inspected by an appliance professional. He or she can also confirm the safety of your stove’s connections.

Dealing with an Oven Fire in Chicago? We’re Here to Help!

If you ever face a kitchen damaged by any type of fire and you’re in the Chicagoland area, we’re here for you. Our teams are always standing by with industry-certified kitchen fire and smoke cleanup services.

When you need expert help in a fire-damaged kitchen, you can depend on ServiceMaster by Zaba.

The post Is Your Oven On Fire? How to Safely Put It Out in 5 Steps appeared first on ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba.

It’s a career path that leads to helping residents when they need it most. As a water damage restoration technician, you’re positioned to assist home and business owners recover their property, their belongings and their peace of mind.

This exciting field is wide open to both men and women. The work can be hard. The projects can be long-term. The satisfaction that comes from helping others through difficult times is always rewarding.

With this guide, we lay out an overview of the information you need to make a meaningful career choice. We cover it all from general qualifications and hands-on training to course studies and industry certification.

WATER RESTORATION TECHNICIAN JOB DESCRIPTION

Your job as a WRT puts you in the field tackling all types of water mitigation projects. You’re part of a team of highly trained technicians restoring water-damaged properties and personal belongings.

Most scheduling happens within the bounds of a normal work week, and you’re sometimes on emergency standby. The restoration business serves customers 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

These are examples of the different processes you handle in your role as a certified water restoration technician.

• Advanced equipment setup and operation
• Heavy-duty water removal and extraction
• Property cleanup including sanitation processes
• Site-wide structural drying and dehumidifying
• Recovery of salvageable personal belongings
• Damaged material tear-out and replacement
• Property-wide reconstruction and restoration
  
  

Becoming a WRT doesn’t require a professional trade license. However, once you’ve completed your training, we highly recommended that you follow through with industry-approved certification.

WHAT DOES WATER DAMAGE RESTORATION TECHNICIAN TRAINING OFFER?

Water damage restoration training involves course studies and hands-on field experience.

As you advance through various learning stages, you become familiar with the science behind the work. For example, you understand the importance of psychrometry and how it applies to the restoration process.

Study courses cover a variety of procedures including dealing with hazardous sewage backups and black water contamination.

You learn the full effects of all types of water damage, how to handle different projects and the requirements for WRT certification.

On-the-job training maximizes your understanding of course studies. In the field, you partner with experienced technicians who explain the details involved in water extraction, containment and cleanup.

You soon become confident in your abilities to tackle any job from emergency dispatch and damage assessment to final restoration.

WHAT DOES IICRC CERTIFICATION MEAN AND WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?

The Institution of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification is recognized for promoting professionalism and establishing the highest standards across our industry. The IICRC supports more than 50,000 certified technicians and 6,000 businesses around the globe.

Successful certification is based on course completion, written examination and skill demonstration. By fulfilling IICRC requirements for WRT certification, you establish your credentials as an expert in water damage restoration.

When you become an IICRC-certified technician, you have documentation of your experience, training and understanding of water damage restoration procedures. It’s not a requirement for working in this field, but it does give you a big advantage over technicians who don’t have industry-approved certification.

HOW MUCH DOES A WATER DAMAGE RESTORATION TECHNICIAN MAKE?

Established, reputable restoration companies always offer fair hourly wages. They also consider IICRC certification to be a valuable asset to your resume. In general, WRT jobs average an hourly pay rate of $14. Highly experienced technicians can earn an average of $20 or more per hour.

Water damage restoration often involves extra hours on the clock, and that results in overtime pay. When a technician goes above and beyond job expectations, it’s not unusual for customers to offer their appreciation with cash tips.

You increase your earnings by developing your job skills in the field and expanding your industry knowledge with ongoing education. You might advance into a leadership role with a salary of $60,000 or more per year.

WHO BENEFITS FROM YOUR HARD WORK?

Every day, you assist people who face the aftermath of water damage to their property and belongings. It can be a very stressful time for home or business owners, but your skills and professionalism help them regain their sense of well-being. These are just a few examples of the settings you encounter as a water restoration technician.

• Homes and condos
• Apartment buildings
• Retail complexes
• Office buildings
• Restaurants and hotels
• Health care facilities
• Public and private schools
• Government buildings
• Sporting and event facilities

WHY SHOULD YOU MAKE WRT A CAREER?

The restoration business continues to grow every year, and that helps build job security into your career.

If you enjoy working with your hands and your head, you look forward to projects that keep your skills sharp. If you enjoy helping other people, you take home the satisfaction of making a positive difference every day.

Working as a WRT offers on-the-job experiences that set the profession apart from other trades. Last year, our teams headed to Texas after Hurricane Harvey where we took care of home and business owners all along the Gulf Coast.

From there, we headed to Florida to assist residents through the aftermath Hurricane Irma. It was exhausting work, but it was also very rewarding professionally and personally.

As a water damage restoration technician, you’re in a unique position to help people recover more than their property:

You help them regain their peace of mind, and that always makes the job worthwhile.

WHERE DO YOU GET STARTED?

If you’re in the Chicago area, we invite you to contact us for more information about your career as a WRT. You can also find information online about IICRC certification classes in your city.

We’re proud to be leading members of the industry with our certified water damage restoration services in Chicago and the suburbs.

It’s our pleasure to share our knowledge and enthusiasm, so feel free to give us a call here at ServiceMaster by Zaba.

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