Can carpet and carpet pad be saved after water removal?

11/16/2022 (Permalink)

Blog Summary: SERVPRO® of Central & West Plano explains if carpet and carpet pad can be saved after water removal.

Water damage can cause significant property damage and is experienced by approximately 40% of US homeowners. It can cause structural changes in buildings, deterioration of building materials, and damage to items that come in contact with water. Damaged pipes, clogged drains, malfunctioning appliances, flooding from natural disasters, faulty or overburdened sewage pumps and systems, and water intrusion from building defects can all lead to water damage. 

Water damage restoration services are available from professionals such as SERVPRO of Central & West Plano. This company is a leader in the water damage restoration industry and offers services in Plano, Texas, and nearby local communities. SERVPRO of Central & West Plano explains how water damage affects carpets and whether water-damaged carpets and carpet pads can be saved after water removal. 

The right carpet can make homes look more beautiful and cozier. Carpets can add a pop of color or bring in a variety of textures to create an interesting effect. They may also improve the acoustics of a room. Carpet pads are used for added shock absorption, comfort, warmth, and durability. They should not come in contact with water. Wet carpets quickly develop mold and odors. Moldy carpets are unhygienic and can be a health hazard. 

Can water-damaged carpets still be saved? 

Restoring things is always better for saving money and maintaining a sustainable lifestyle. There are several factors that determine whether wet carpets can be reused. These factors include the age and quality of the carpet and if the carpet was correctly laid initially. Carpets that have become moldy were exposed to moisture for more than two days or were already worn out can be discarded immediately. If drying the carpet was delayed, it should be discarded. 

The type of water damage is an important factor in deciding whether the carpet needs to be replaced or salvaged. Carpets wet with clean water from a source such as a burst pipe or rain may be cleaned, dried, and used. Carpet pads that were heavily soaked need to be replaced. If the carpet has been wet for 24 to 48 hours, it is more likely to develop mold. 

Water-damaged carpets affected by greywater might be restored to a reusable state. But the carpet pads probably need replacement. Suppose the carpet has not been exposed to water for more than 48 hours. In that case, it can be evaluated by a water damage restoration professional to determine if the carpet can be salvaged. 

Since blackwater (like sewage or floodwater) is considered to be contaminated, carpets and carpet pads exposed to blackwater can be disposed of immediately. It is unsafe to attempt to salvage them.

How do you dry a wet carpet? 

If the carpet was exposed to only clean water and slightly damp for less than 48 hours, the owners may try to clean and dry it. Cleaning and drying can only be done if the carpet has been wet for less than 48 hours. Mold growth can start between 24 to 48 hours of exposure to moisture. If the water was not from a clean source or mold is suspected, a water damage restoration professional should clean the wet carpet. 

Residual water can be soaked up with an absorbent towel. This method works only if the water absorbed by the carpet is minimal. Excessively soaked carpets require professional water removal and treatment.

Water removal is performed first. Water damage restoration technicians can use a submersible pump if the carpet is submerged. Note that special wet vacuum cleaners can be used, and household vacuum cleaners used for regular cleaning are ineffective for water removal from carpets. 

Fans and dehumidifiers help to dry the carpet. They facilitate better air circulation and evaporation. Mold grows when moisture spreads to the padding under the carpet. Even if the carpet is still recoverable, the carpet padding may have to be replaced. Water damage experts like SERVPRO of Central & West Plano have water removal equipment like moisture detectors and hygrometers to measure how much moisture is present in affected areas. They use infrared cameras to detect hidden water damage. For water removal in Plano, TX, SERVPRO of Central & West Plano technicians have powerful submersible pumps and industrial-strength wet/dry vacuums. The equipment helps to reduce the drying time, and speedy water removal helps prevent secondary water damage and mold growth. The carpets must be cleaned and disinfected, as per professional recommendation.

Water-damaged carpets can be treated satisfactorily by water damage restoration experts like SERVPRO of Central & West Plano in Plano, TX. Their technicians are competent in water damage assessment, determining the severity of water damage, and carrying out the water damage restoration process efficiently and safely. For water damage restoration in Plano, TX, by highly-trained professionals with access to the latest technology, SERVPRO of Central & West Plano can be contacted at (945) 348-5804.