flooded basement

Help! My Basement is Flooding – What Do I Do?

When the basement floods, you’re suddenly facing multiple problems. They all need attention right away, but you may not know where to begin. Don’t worry – you’re not alone. Here at ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba, we’ve been helping Chicago-area customers clean and restore flooded basements for more than 15 years.  In this blog, we’re compiling […]

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signs of water damage

How to Detect Water Damage: 10 Warning Signs You Can’t Ignore

You have good reason to be concerned. The basement seems damp, or you’re worried about roof damage from the last bad storm. It might be noises coming from the pipes or a musty smell in the laundry room. As home water damage restoration specialists, we understand. You want the peace of mind that comes from […]

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DIY mold cleaning

Mold vs. Mildew: Here Are the Key Differences You Need to Know About

If you think that mildew and mold are the same thing, you’re almost right: Mildew is a type of mold, but not all molds are mildew. The fungi thrive in moist environments, and they live on all kinds of surfaces, so they’re both housecleaning headaches. While excessive mildew can cause health problems, it doesn’t have […]

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flooded house in the springtime in chicago il

Flooded Basement Cleanup Cost: What You Should Expect

It can be the result of rain seeping through foundation cracks. It can happen when storms back up sewage lines. Sometimes, the sump pump gives out. Whatever the cause, your basement looks like an indoor pool. Do you take care of flooded basement repair yourself or call in professionals? Before you make a decision, consider […]

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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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water damaged drywall

Drying Drywall After Water Damage: 7 Effective DIY Steps

At ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba, we have over 85 years of combined experience in the water damage restoration industry.  In this comprehensive guide, we’ve compiled our best tips to help you assess the damage, dry your walls after a leak, and get the help you need to restore your home.  Before You Get Started By […]

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flooded bathroom

Flooded Bathroom? Here Are 10 Essential Steps to Recovery

Clogged toilets can happen in the best-kept homes, apartments, or condos. Busy families can forget someone’s filling up the tub. A pipe can freeze during the night and burst before you’re awake. From faulty plumbing to a sewage backup, it doesn’t take much to flood the bathroom. Are you wondering how to clean up a […]

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kitchen of hoarder

How to Help a Hoarder Clean Their House: A 10 Step Checklist

The medical community didn’t officially recognize it until 2013. That year, the American Psychological Association finally included hoarding on its updated list of mental disorders. If the condition affects someone you care about, dealing with it can be very difficult. When you’re unsure about how to help a hoarder, where do you start? A hoarder’s […]

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carpet water damage

How to Get Wet Smell Out of Carpet: 6 Effective Ways

After water damage, persistent carpet odors can linger, making your house smell musty and unpleasant. It’s important to deal with this quickly – before the odors set in for good. At ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba, we have more than 85 years of combined experience helping Chicago residents recover from water damage. In this comprehensive guide, […]

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wall leakage

How to Find and Repair Water Leaking in the Wall

It doesn’t set off alarms. You can’t hear it or see it. Left undetected, it can cause serious damage to sheetrock and even affect floors and ceilings. A slow water leak hidden inside the walls of your home creates a damp environment that breeds mold and rots wood. As well as you stay ahead of […]

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