How to Thaw a Frozen Drain Pipe: 7 Effective Ways
When plunging temperatures freeze the drain pipes in your home, you're dealing with a potential plumbing disaster. The spill or backup from a burst drain line is classified as Category 2 gray water. You don't want this type of contamination pouring into your home. For more than...
My Pipes Have Been Frozen for More Than 2 Days – What Should I Do?
You're back from a short trip and realize your home's pipes have been frozen for more than two days. It's a serious plumbing problem, but how do you solve it without making it worse? We have the answer and more. For over 27 years, ServiceMaster of...
Septic Tank Backup: Causes, Signs & Fixes
Very few plumbing disasters can disrupt a home like a septic tank backup. The aftereffects include water damage that spreads dangerous contamination and creates long-term problems. For more than 25 years, ServiceMaster of Lake Shore has helped area residents deal with backed-up septic tanks. Based on...
How to Fix a Leaking Kitchen Sink: 5 Ways to Solve the Problem
A leaking kitchen sink is more than a nuisance. The constant drip seeps down, soaking cabinets, walls and floors.At ServiceMaster of Lake Shore, we've restored water-damaged kitchens across Chicago for over 25 years. We know firsthand how a small leak can create big problems.That's why...
How to Check for Mold After Water Damage: 7 Effective Steps
It only takes 24 hours for mold caused by water damage to permeate deep into porous materials. The rapidly spreading fungus ruins drywall, rots wood and compromises indoor air quality. Since 1996, ServiceMaster of Lake Shore has helped Chicago residents clean up mold damage after storm flooding...
Help! There’s a Water Bubble in My Wall: What Should I Do?
You’ve recently noticed blisters or bubbles behind the paint on your walls. You suspect water damage, and you’re wondering what to do. Don’t worry, you’re not alone. With over 20 years of experience in the water damage restoration industry, we’ve helped hundreds of Chicago-area customers get rid...
How to Deal With a Space Heater Fire: 7 Critical Steps
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=""] When the temperature drops outside, thermostats go up inside. Furnace fires are always a concern this time of year, but space heaters are responsible for more than 40% of home heating fires. It's a disturbing statistic. ServiceMaster of Lake Shore helps Chicago homeowners deal with the...
33 Important Holiday Fire Safety Tips for 2025
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=""] The holidays are just around the corner, and that means that fun and festivity are on the horizon. Unfortunately, it also means that many households will face an increased fire risk in the coming months. According to FEMA, there are nearly 156,000 residential structural fires each...
11 Warning Signs of a Busted Water Pipe
Burst pipes create plumbing disasters that quickly turn into huge cleanup jobs. However, a burst pipe often goes unnoticed until it causes serious water damage. Recognizing the warning signs can help prevent a wall collapse, ceiling cave-in, or worse. In this blog, we share how to recognize...
9 Reasons Pipes Burst (And How to Prevent This!)
A burst pipe can happen anywhere in a plumbing system. Supply pipes, distribution lines, hot water pipes and drain pipes are all vulnerable. How do pipes burst at the house or your business? In this blog, we delve into the causes of pipe bursts and provide practical...
Flood Damage in Downtown Chicago? Here’s What to Do
If you’ve experienced storm flooding, a flooded basement, or flooding anywhere in your home, you’re probably wondering what to do. You don’t want the damage to get worse, but you’re not sure how to begin addressing it. Don’t worry. You’re not alone. At ServiceMaster of Lake Shore, we...
Washer Leaking from the Bottom in Your Chicago Home? Here’s How to Fix It
A washing machine leak might start small, but if ignored, it can soak your floors, cause mold, and even damage wiring or drywall. And when your washer is leaking from the bottom, it's usually a sign that something needs attention now. At ServiceMaster of Lake Shore, we’ve...
