At some stage in our lives, most of us will experience carpet water damage. It’s an inevitable encounter. But, the good news is, it doesn’t have to be an intimidating one.
Though carpet water damage can happen to anyone, the reasons for the damage and the consequences of that damage vary hugely.
It can be the result of something simple like an overflowing washer, or it can be the consequence of something far more serious like bursting or leaking pipes.
Carpet Water Damage – From Minor to Major
Whether the carpet damage is the result of an overall general problem, or whether it’s more isolated to a certain area, one thing is certain: You do not want the problem you have in front of you to become bigger than it currently is.
A minor water damage issue can quickly turn into a major one if adequate steps are not taken to address the problem.
And, take it from us. Any water damage problem in your home is something that needs your urgent attention.
Why? Because water damage in your home has the potential to cause serious havoc – not only to your home but also to your health.
Confused about what to do? Don’t worry. We’ve got you covered.
Carpet water damage sure does happen. Here’s our expert guide on what to do if it happens to you.
Spotting the Damage
So, if you have water damage in your carpet, how do you spot the signs?
You’ll See It
In many cases, carpet water damage is easily spotted because it’s so obvious. In these cases, the water won’t be hidden and you’ll clearly see the area of damage. You may even have been present when the damage occurred.
You’ll Feel It
Often, with water damage, the first sign of trouble will be the soggy feeling on your feet. But carpet water damage can be so much more than a slippery squelch.
It Might Stay Hidden… for a While
Water damage can often be sneaky in the way it behaves. Sometimes, it might appear that all is well and your carpet has dried. But, this is a classic case of being lured into a false sense of security.
When you know your carpet has suffered damage, you need to take urgent action. This is because the original problem might seem to have gone away, but the real problem is only just beginning.
Mould
In many cases, the actual wet area in any flood is about twice the size of what you actually think. You may believe the water has dried because when you touch the carpet it doesn’t feel damp. But, the pad underneath the carpet could well be saturated.
So, what’s the problem with all of this?
In a word? Mould.
If the problem is not dealt with properly, as time goes by, you will begin to smell a musty odor in your home. If this happens, it could be a sign of mould growth on or under your carpets.
You do not want to expose yourself or your family to mould. It can cause serious and nasty health problems.
Here are some of those health issues:
- Respiratory problems
- Eye, nose and throat irritation
- Coughing
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath
- Allergic reactions
- Symptoms of asthma intensify
Carpet Water Damage – How to Fix It
If the carpet has suffered some serious damage, you will need the help of water restoration experts. But, there some immediate steps you can take yourself to fix the problem.
1. Where’s the Water Coming From?
Finding the source of the damage is the first, and most important step.
Questions to ask here:
- Is the water coming from a single, one-time event? This might be an overflowing bathtub or toilet, etc.
- Is the carpet subject to a continual flow of water? If so, where is that flow coming from? If it is coming from a broken or burst pipe, you may need to call an expert for help.
- Is the water coming from ground water or sewage? In this case, you will definitely need outside help.
2. Assess the Damage
You may be able to salvage your carpet, but first, you need to assess the damage.
Where exactly is the water coming from?
If the carpet is damaged due to the leakage of sanitary water – such as tap water or rain water – your carpet may not be a lost cause.
If your carpet has direct contact with unsanitary, dirty water – from toilets, bathrooms or other contaminated areas – it will need to be discarded and replaced immediately.
3. Remove the Water Quickly
Removing the water is the next vital step.
Once you’ve assessed the situation, you will know whether you can do this alone without help. Either way, you may want to hire a wet/dry vacuum to ensure that you get rid of all the water from your home.
4. Dry the Carpet
It’s important to dry the carpet as quickly as possible to prevent mould.
You can hire industrial fans and dehumidifers to help speed the drying process. Dehumidifiers are important because they remove excessive moisture that make mould impossible to grow.
Remember that it can take several days for fans to completely dry a water-damaged area.
If you’re unable to rent equipment, gather as many fans as possible and set them up around the room. Leave them running continuously until the carpet is dry.
5. Clean the Carpet
After you’ve gotten rid of the carpet water damage, your next step is to steam clean the carpet itself. You might want to use a commercial rug shampoo if the carpet is deeply soiled.
Bear in mind that one deep clean may not be enough to ensure your carpet is completely clean. Don’t be afraid of giving it a second clean.
After you finish the clean up, dry out the carpet as quickly as possible. Lay it out flat in a warm, dry place. Use a fan to speed up the process.
Carpet Water Damage – You Can Fix It, Or We Can Help
So, there you have it. Should you ever find yourself in the unenviable position of having carpet water damage in your home, you know what to do.
But, should it become obvious that you need help, be sure to get that help. After all, it’s far better to solve a problem at its source than watch that problem grow into a bigger, more menacing disaster.