Quick answers about water damage, cleanup costs, insurance and Toledo's local rules. Still have a question? Call (567) 290-1980 and describe what happened.
About water damage restoration
What is water damage restoration?
Water damage restoration is the work of removing water, drying the building and repairing what got damaged. It usually starts with stopping the source and pumping out standing water, then removing soaked materials, cleaning, and drying with air movers and dehumidifiers. Repairs like drywall and flooring come last, once moisture readings show the structure is dry.
Is a sewer backup different from a regular flood?
Yes, a sewer backup is treated as the most contaminated kind of water. Restoration crews call it Category 3. Carpet, drywall and other porous materials it touches usually have to be thrown out, and everything else must be disinfected. Outside floodwater from streets or Lake Erie is treated the same way. Clean water from a burst supply pipe is easier and cheaper to handle.
Do restoration companies fix the pipe or the sewer line too?
Usually not; a plumber fixes pipes and a licensed sewer contractor fixes sewer lines. Some restoration companies coordinate that work for you. In Toledo, the city says only a licensed sewer contractor can repair a sewer line, and the homeowner pays for problems between the house and the public right-of-way. Ask the restoration company who will fix the source and when.
Cost and insurance
How much does water damage restoration cost?
Most homeowners pay $1,382 to $6,357, according to HomeAdvisor's 2025 national data, with an average of $3,841. Sewage and floodwater cost more than clean water. Finished basements cost more than bare concrete. Those are national figures, not Toledo quotes. The Toledo cost guide breaks the numbers down by water type and room.
Does homeowners insurance cover a sewer backup in Ohio?
Often not, unless your policy has a water or sewer backup rider. In 2021, the Ohio Supreme Court held that a policy's water-backup exclusion applied to sewage from a sewer backup. The Lucas County Sanitary Engineer advises homeowners to check that a sewer backup rider is listed on their policy. Call your agent to confirm what yours says.
Will the City of Toledo pay to clean up my basement?
No, the city's Basement Flooding Grant does not pay for cleanup. It helps pay for devices that prevent future sewer backups, like check valves and standpipes, after the city verifies a public sanitary sewer backed up into your home. It covers up to $1,500, or $2,000 for Homestead Exempt or HEAP recipients. Read the grant guide for how to apply.
Should I pay the full bill before work starts?
No, paying the full bill before any work is done is a red flag. Paying your insurance deductible or a reasonable deposit is normal. Some Toledo-area homeowners report being asked for full payment up front. Ask for a written estimate and payment schedule, and pay the final amount after a walk-through where you check the work.
How do I check my restoration bill?
Compare the invoice line by line with your written estimate and your insurance adjuster's estimate. Look for equipment days that don't match what you saw, materials that weren't installed, or work that never happened. Ask the company to explain anything you can't match. Mistakes can eat into your insurance limits, so it's worth an hour of your time.
Timing and scheduling
How fast does water need to be dried out?
Within 24 to 48 hours is the goal. The EPA advises drying water-damaged materials in that window to help prevent mold, while noting it's a guideline. Every day water sits, it spreads farther into walls and floors and the cleanup gets bigger. If you can't get a crew right away, pull out wet rugs and run fans if it's safe.
How long does drying take?
Most homes take three to five days of drying, and some take longer. Concrete basement floors, hardwood and plaster dry slower than drywall. A good crew measures moisture each day and removes equipment only when readings match a dry area of the house. Repairs after drying can take another few days to several weeks.
Why can it take longer to get a crew after a big storm?
Because every restoration company in the area gets calls at the same time. During the March 2026 storm, the City of Toledo logged 308 service requests in one night. Local reviews mention rescheduled visits during record-rain weeks. Call as early as you can, ask for a realistic arrival time, and keep water away from belongings in the meantime.
Can I call at night or on a weekend?
Yes, you can call any time. Water damage doesn't wait for business hours. Call and you'll be connected with a local restoration company for a free quote. If water is still running, close your main shutoff first or call Engage Toledo at 419-936-2020 and press 1 for the city's free curb shutoff, available 7 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. daily.
The job
What happens to my belongings during cleanup?
Belongings are moved, cleaned in place, or packed out to be cleaned and stored. Items soaked by sewage or floodwater are often thrown out. Lost belongings after pack-outs show up in local reviews, so ask for a written inventory with photos of everything that leaves the house. Keep jewelry, papers and small valuables with you.
Will the crew have to tear out drywall?
Often, yes, if drywall soaked up water. Crews usually cut wet drywall a foot or more above the water line, then dry the framing behind it. Drywall touched by sewage or floodwater almost always comes out. Drywall wet briefly from clean water can sometimes be dried in place if the crew catches it fast.
What if the water keeps coming back?
Then the source wasn't fixed. Drying a room that's still taking on water wastes money. Ask the company to find and confirm the source before drying, whether that's a pipe, a sump pump or a sewer line. In Toledo, report repeat floor drain backups to Engage Toledo so the city can check the public sewer.
I rent my home or own a rental. Who handles water damage?
Usually the property owner handles the building, and the tenant handles their own belongings. Tenants should tell the landlord right away and in writing, and check renters insurance for their things. Owners should call their insurer and a restoration company quickly, since delays can make damage worse and affect coverage.
Safety and local rules
Is it safe to walk in a flooded basement?
Not if water touches outlets, cords, appliances or the electrical panel. Stay out and shut power off only if you can reach the panel from a dry spot. If you smell gas, leave and call Columbia Gas or 911 from outside. Wear boots and gloves around sewage or floodwater, and keep kids and pets away.
Who do I call to shut off water in Toledo?
Call Engage Toledo at 419-936-2020 and press 1. Toledo Public Utilities shuts off water at the curb for repairs at no charge from 7 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., seven days a week. For water main breaks and other emergencies, the same number works around the clock. See the who-to-call guide for suburban numbers.
Does Ohio license water damage restoration companies?
We haven't confirmed a state license specific to water damage restoration in Ohio. [verify: Ohio Department of Commerce or Department of Health licensing for restoration and mold remediation] Toledo does require contractors to register with the city. Either way, ask any company for proof of insurance and its training, such as IICRC certification, before work starts.
About this site
Is Toledo Damage Restoration a restoration company?
No, it's a free referral service. We don't send crews, own equipment or do any restoration work. Your call goes to an independent local restoration company, which may pay this site for the referral. Your price stays the same. Read the disclosure for details.
Is my call recorded?
Yes, calls to this number are recorded for quality and training. Your name, number and the details you share are used to connect you with a local provider and may be shared with that provider. The privacy policy explains how this information is handled.
Ready to get water damage handled?
Call (567) 290-1980