Home & Garden
Ohio Homeowners: What To Do If Your Home Has Water Damage
You may be able to prevent your water damage from getting worse.

Coming home to a wet ceiling may very well be every Ohio homeowner's worst nightmare. If the damage is severe, you may be in for a long haul of fixes and a laundry list of professionals.
If you spy that little wet spot before it gets worse, you might be able to save big on damage later. Here's what to do as soon as you see water damage in your home.
Find out what's happening in Clevelandfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
1. Identify the Source
Chances are that the signs of water damage are visible on the level below your bathroom or kitchen. Most often, water damage occurs from a poorly insulated shower or tub. A broken pipe or leak can wreak much more havoc.
Find out what's happening in Clevelandfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
2. Shut Off the Water and Call a Plumber
Before you do anything, shut off your water and call a plumber to assess the damage. The sooner they can remedy the issue and clean up the mess, the better off you will be later.
If the water damage in your home is immense, you may need more than one contractor to help. In mild cases, you might be able to seal off your shower and DIY a new caulk job around your tub. But in extreme cases, your space may have suffered structural damage. Often, mold and mildew is present and you’ll need a mold and mildew remediation specialist. If your drywall needs to be restored, a drywall contractor and painter can help get things back in shape. A flooring contractor can restore tile work if the floor was affected.
If the list of pros is lengthy, you might consider opting for a bathroom remodeler instead. This person can be an all-in-one source. A total bathroom remodel might not have been something you planned for in your budget, but it might be worth it if you’re due for an overhaul and have suffered severe damage. Plus, investing now might help your home’s resale value later.
HomeAdvisor is a Patch promotional partner.