Water-Damaged Carpeting- Can It Be Salvaged?

3/31/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO crew members pulling up a water-logged carpet.

Many homeowners enjoy the look and feel of wall-to-wall carpeting. Unfortunately, carpets are particularly susceptible to moisture from flooding and other sources of water damage. 

Not all moisture problems are visible, especially when they occur beneath flooring. The easiest way to identify a hidden moisture problem is by a foul odor that cannot be removed by regular cleaning. If you notice a musty smell permeating your home, you may be dealing with a moist carpet. If left unattended, harmful bacteria will accumulate and may cause sickness or allergy symptoms in family members and pets.

Can a carpet be saved once it has gotten wet? 

Any carpet that has been saturated by contaminated water must be discarded immediately. Floodwater is considered contaminated because it carries sewage and other harmful contaminants. Carpets soaked by rainwater can sometimes be salvaged, but only if the proper steps are taken. The general guideline is that rain-soaked carpets should be removed if they were wet for more than 24 hours.

At SERVPRO of Society Hill, we have the technical training and tools to determine whether carpeting can be salvaged. We perform carpet removal and we also provide carpet cleaning services. If you detect a carpet moisture problem in your home, we’re ready to help!