Can You Save Your Wet Carpet?

4/1/2022 (Permalink)

If you have suffered flooding in your home from a pipe break or another type of water damage, you may wonder if you should save or replace the wet flooring. It depends on a few conditions.

How Long Has the Flooring Been Wet?

If you discovered the flooding immediately after the water event, and the damage has been contained in a small area, you may be able to save the carpet. You must dry it completely within a few hours, however. Wet flooring that sits for a couple of days will begin to grow mold. If you suspect mold, call a water damage repair service right away.

What Type of Flood Water Damaged the Flooring?
Restoration can occur if the small water-damaged area is from a clean water source, such as a pipe break or leaky faucet. Water-damaged carpeting from any other water source should be removed and replaced by a professional as soon as possible.

Will the Padding Need to be Replaced?
If there is padding under the flooring, you will need to replace it. Padding soaks up water and is very difficult to dry. You may be able to salvage carpeting above the padding in some instances. It is important to stress that if you have never replaced flooring before, you should have a professional handle the job since it is easy to damage the carpeting. An experienced carpet layer will follow these steps:

• Carefully lift up the carpeting. If it is just damp along the bottom, roll it up and move it to a dry area. Unroll it face down and completely dry out the bottom surface.
• Make sure the subfloor is fully dry before you install new padding.
• After the carpeting is dry, lay it back down and secure it.
  
  

While it may be tempting to try to salvage your wet flooring after a pipe break, it is smart to have a professional assess the situation.