Water Damage – Carpet Restoration

If you’ve had the misfortune of becoming the victim of a flood or water leak, your carpet may require water damage restoration. Depending on just where the water came from, your carpet has a chance of returning to its original condition without having to compromise your overall health and safety. In this article, we will outline the steps to get you there. 

Step 1 – Begin by identifying the source of the leak. This aspect will help in determining whether your carpet is salvageable or not. If the leak is coming from a drain or pipe, you are likely in the clear. However is you’re looking at a source such as an overflowing toilet, you may be in trouble. Carpet that has been soiled by sewage or groundwater requires immediate disposal. 

Step 2 – Prohibit flow to prevent any further damage. If you’re having difficulty, you may decide to call in a professional plumber for help. They will best be able to isolate the leak and stop the flow altogether. 

Step 3 – Disinfect all wet areas through scrubbing. Solution can be made with a gallon of water alongside a few tablespoons of bleach. Be sure to ventilate the area so that the air does not become toxic. 

Step 4 – Lift up the edges of the carpet and discard of the padding underneath. Remove all furniture in order to allow the room to breathe a bit. 

Step 5 – Find as many big fans as possible and position them to blow directly onto the soiled area. Run on high for a period of at least 36 hours. Be sure to keep any electrical cords away from the water. A dehumidifier may also be used to speed up the process. 

Step 6 – Avoid any activities in the room. Foot traffic should be kept to a minimum, helping to maximize airflow and the deterioration of the laminate seal below. 

Step 7 – Check up on the progress after the first 12 hours. If no improvement can be seen, the carpet may require replacement. Such a time span is sufficient for mold development in addition to allergens. 

Step 8 – Take the time to discuss the situation with your insurance agent. Depending on exactly how the leak occurred, the responsibility may not lie with you. This is especially important for those living in condominiums. Evaluate the situation and act accordingly. 

These steps might not completely save your carpet, but they'll certainly go a long way to minimizing damage.