Can My Flooded Carpet and Pad Be Saved after a Flood?

After a flood, many home and property owners may wonder if their carpet and pad can be saved as carpeting can be an expensive investment. Keeping it is more cost-effective than replacing it, but successful flooded carpet cleaning depends on many things.

The age and quality of the carpet and pad and installation type are key factors. But knowing the kind of floodwater involved is essential to understanding if water-damaged carpet cleaning is possible. In the water damage restoration industry, we classify floodwater into three main categories.

HERE ARE THE THREE TYPES OF FLOODWATERS THAT AFFECT FLOODED CARPET AND WHAT TO DO FOR EACH…

TYPE 1: CLEAN SANITARY WATER

The first type of floodwater is clean sanitary water. Clean sanitary water is defined as distilled, filtered water with a pH level of 7 or lower. It is safe for homes to touch and even consume. This type of floodwater usually appears after something in the house malfunctions. For example, you will get clean sanitary water if an appliance like a dishwasher or washing machine breaks. It’s also common if your pipes leak or have frozen and burst. Clean sanitary water will cause significant structural damage to your home because all water is corrosive. However, it poses the least risks when it comes to harmful microbes and toxic chemicals. Clean sanitary water is usually cleaned up with a standard water remediation process of a pump, suction tools, and drying devices.

TYPE 2: CONTAMINATED GREYWATER

The second type of floodwater is contaminated greywater. This is water that is contaminated with something that is harmful to humans and animals and has a pH level of 7.1 to 8.5. Often greywater is the result of a toilet overflowing, sewage backing up, or the sump pump breaking down. This type of water is dangerous for humans to enter because it could lead to disease or illness, so it must only be handled by professionals. When greywater is remediated, the water is removed and filtered. Then the items in the home are cleaned and thoroughly sanitized. In some cases, like with very porous items, some things may have to be thrown out. In some cases, there will be a thorough cleaning of HVAC systems and other home infrastructure to ensure that there are no residual risks to the homeowner.

TYPE THREE: TOXIC BLACKWATER

The final type of floodwater is by far the most dangerous. Toxic blackwater has a pH level of 8.6 or higher and contains many harmful things such as:

• Bacteria, viruses, and mold
• Waste, fecal matter, and sewage
• Toxic chemicals, heavy metals, and radioactive substances
• Insect larva and parasites

Blackwater is usually the result of a natural disaster like a major flood or an accident at a manufacturing facility. Blackwater cleanup is very dangerous and requires highly skilled water restoration technicians and specialized equipment. In some cases of toxic blackwater, the damage is too far gone and the property must be torn down and rebuilt. However, in most cases the water is removed, contaminated possessions and home materials thrown up, and everything sanitized and rebuilt brand new.

Flooded carpet cleaning: DIY or call a pro?

While extracting the water from your flooded carpet yourself has some benefits, professional carpet cleaning is a much better solution. A shop vacuum, towels, and ceiling fans are no match for professional extraction and drying equipment. Plus, an expert can evaluate the entire water damage incident and mitigate and remediate the whole loss, not just the carpet.

Also, the mitigation process should begin without delay. Otherwise, the carpet can suffer permanent damage. To have a better chance of saving the carpet, contact PuroClean Emergency Restoration Specialists at once after the water damage incident. We have the tools and expertise to sanitize and dry the flooded carpet efficiently.

Except for cases of blackwater flooding, professional carpet cleaning can bring carpets back to life. The goal is not to replace but to restore. A professional can help you save money by avoiding the high replacement costs.

After any flooding incident, always call your insurance company. Your homeowner’s insurance might cover the flood damage, but some flooding losses are not covered. For those, you might need separate flood insurance. If the loss has coverage, take photos and videos of the damage right away and file the insurance claim. Your insurance agent may also recommend a reputable restoration company to come to your rescue.

For any of your flooded carpet cleaning needs, call the PuroClean Emergency Restoration Specialists. Our restoration teams will provide an industry-standard estimate and create a proper plan of action to restore your carpet quickly.