Can You Save a Flood Damaged Carpet or Rug?

8/4/2021 (Permalink)

A carpet may be an expensive investment, so finding it in a destroyed state and thinking it needs to be replaced can be worrying. The age and quality of the carpet are important considerations in determining whether it must be replaced. Furthermore, understanding the sort of floodwater involved is critical in determining whether damaged carpet cleaning is possible. In the water damage restoration industry, we classify floodwater into three main categories.

Category 1: Clean Water

Clean water is from a clean source like a broken water supply line or leaking faucet. If not treated quickly, this water can turn into category 2 or 3, depending on the length of time, temperature, and contact with surrounding contaminants.

Category 2: Gray Water

Gray water is contaminated and could cause discomfort or health effects. Examples include washing machine overflow; toilet overflow with some urine, but no feces; or dishwasher overflow.

Category 3: “Black Water”

Black water is grossly contaminated and could cause severe health effects if ingested and any contact should be avoided. Examples include flooding from rivers or streams, water from beyond the toilet trap, water form the toilet bowl with feces, or standing water that has begun to support microbial growth.

Because every water damage situation is unique, you won’t know for sure if or when your carpet and pad can be saved unless you have a professional restoration company assess the damage. Time can mean the difference between saving your carpet and saving money by not having to replace it. However, in some cases, carpet replacement is unavoidable due to the toxicity of the water that caused the damage.  

Although there are some DIY solutions for dealing with water damage, it’s better to leave it to the professionals. Professionals trained in water damage restoration have the appropriate knowledge, expertise, and equipment to work on your water-damaged property. You secure your safety and well-being by have an expert work on the damage. Doing it yourself, depending on the type of water, might be dangerous and lead to health effects. You put yourself at danger of developing health effects if you don’t have the necessary safety gear.  

If you experienced water damage and suspect your carpet has been damaged, give SERVPRO of Lafayette/Moraga/Orinda a call for a free inspection. Call us today at (925) 299-1323.