ServiceMaster by Zaba Blog

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flooded bathroom

Flooded Bathroom? Here Are 12 Essential Steps to Recovery

If your bathroom has flooded, you need to act quickly to prevent further damage.  With more than 85 years of combined restoration experience, we know how to tackle this kind of work.  In this blog, we’ve compiled our expertise to help you learn how to clean up your flooded bathroom and avoid future damage. What […]

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kitchen of hoarder

“I Am a Hoarder and I Need Help” – 10 Steps to Self-Help

It can feel as though you’re completely isolated and on your own. Even with the help of friends and family, dealing with hoarding can become overwhelming. It consumes the space in your home while it drains your ability to cope. As you look in the mirror, you say, “I am a hoarder. How do I […]

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frozen water pipe burst chicago

A Pipe Burst and Flooded My House in Chicago – What Do I Do?

Some years, it seems like Chicago winters are the coldest in the nation. We break records, shovel snow and shiver through historic polar vortexes. Residents across the city take it all in stride, but we never get used to the freezing effect it has on our plumbing. Are you ready to deal with frozen pipes […]

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frozen outdoor faucet

Frozen Outdoor Faucet? Here’s How to Fix the Problem

You probably don’t give much thought to a frozen outdoor faucet this time of year. It can happen overnight, result in rupture pipes, and leave you waking up to a flooded house. Do you know what to do if your outside water spigot is frozen? Based on our 85 combined years of experience restoring flooded […]

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wet walls

Help! My House Has Wet Walls – What Should I Do?

Wet walls inside the house are always a bad sign. You notice flaky paint or peeling wallpaper. Dark spots on walls are damp to the touch. A musty, moldy odor spreads through your home. Why are the walls wet? How do you fix them? This guide covers everything you need to know about moisture in […]

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microwave fire

My Microwave is on Fire – What Should I Do? (3 Steps to Take Right Now)

Microwave fires are common, and they can cause massive damage when they do occur. According to the National Fire Protection Association, microwaves cause 4% of cooking-related house fires per year (PDF) and 1% of associated deaths. If you’ve experienced a microwave fire in your household, you’re probably wondering what to do and how to begin […]

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protein fires

Protein Fires: Everything You Need to Know

Burning the evening meal ruins dinner plans, but it doesn’t usually result in a kitchen filled with smoke and flames. A protein fire doesn’t produce smoke or flames either, but it’s a disaster that impacts the kitchen and your entire home. Let’s take a closer look at how it happens and your best options for […]

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washing machine flooded in chicago home

My Washing Machine Flooded the House! What Should I Do?

Just ask anyone who’s had to live the coin-op laundry life, having a washing machine in your home is wonderful — that is, until it breaks. If your washing machine flooded, it’s not just inconvenient but it can cause extensive water damage, too. Fortunately, there are things you can do to stop your washing machine […]

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garbage disposal leaking

Help! My Garbage Disposal is Leaking – What Should I Do?

Are you noticing wet spots in the cabinets under the sink? You might be dealing with a leaking garbage disposal.  Here at ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba, we have more than 85 years of combined experience helping Chicago-area customers address water damage caused by garbage disposals. In this blog, we’ll share our top tips to address […]

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Basement Flooded? Here’s Who to Call Right Away

Heavy rains and bad sump pumps aren’t the only reasons basements flood. Burst pipes fill the downstairs with water. A broken washing machine turns the basement into a wading pool. Whatever the cause, you’re facing a mess. Who do you call when you realize the basement in your home is flooded? We want you to […]

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water damaged building in chicago illinois

My Building Has Water Damage – What Should I Do?

Dealing with a water-damaged commercial building is never easy. Whether you’re the owner or manager, you have to make important decisions. Time isn’t on your side. Closing off part of the property can be a huge inconvenience. An extensive shutdown costs time and revenue. Are you ready to solve the problems that come with cleaning […]

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water pipe burst who to call

My Water Pipe Burst! Who Should I Call First?

A broken water pipe is every homeowner’s worst nightmare, and for a good reason: A burst pipe can wreak havoc, causing extensive damage to your floors, ceiling, walls, and subfloors.  If your water pipe burst, knowing who to call is essential. In this post, we’ll walk you through some of the reasons pipes burst, what […]

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condo fire damage

What to Do After a Condo Fire: 5 Critical Steps to Recovery

The aftermath of a fire in your condo impacts everything you do moving forward. The first few days are filled with hard decision-making. You have to deal with fire damage cleanup, ruined belongings and confusing insurance issues. You hope it never happens to you, but are you prepared? Do you know what to do after […]

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