Can Your Water-Damaged Carpet Be Saved?

A water-damaged carpet is not always doomed. You can save your carpet depending on the extent of damage and how long it has been wet. Considering that carpeting can be an expensive investment in homes, saving it is more cost-effective than replacing it.

To determine if your carpet can be restored, first determine which type of water damaged it. In the water damage restoration industry, we classify water into three main categories:

• Category 1: Clean water from a broken pipe or rainwater that has not mixed with contaminants. Saving a carpet damaged by Category 1 water is possible if the carpet has been wet for less than 24-48 hours. Otherwise, the water may “degrade” into Category 2. Professionals can restore both padding and carpet through proper sanitation and remediation procedures.
• Category 2: Greywater which is contaminated and can cause sickness if swallowed or if it comes in contact with the body. This typically includes overflow from washing machines or dishwashers, toilet overflows with no solid matter, broken aquariums, sump pump failures, etc. With this type of loss, the padding needs to be replaced, but the carpet can be salvaged. If, however, a Category 2 loss is not treated within 24-48 hours, it will turn into a Category 3.
• Category 3: Blackwater that’s highly contaminated with pathogens or other harmful agents and materials. Examples of this type of loss include sewage, toilet backflows, flooding from seawater, rivers, streams, and water from hurricanes, storms or other weather-related events. It’s nearly impossible to restore carpet saturated with Category 3 water, even for carpet cleaning professionals.

DIY or Call a Pro?

While trying to extract the water yourself has some benefits, professional carpet restoration is a much better alternative. A shop vacuum, towels, and ceiling fans are no replacement for professional extraction and drying equipment. Plus, a professional can evaluate the entire water damage incident and mitigate and remediate the entire loss, not just the carpet.

Moreover, the mitigation process should begin without delay; otherwise, the carpet can suffer permanent damage. To have a better chance of saving the carpet, a professional should be involved at once after the water damage incident. They have the tools and expertise to sanitize and dry the carpet efficiently.

Except for cases of blackwater flooding, professional carpet restoration 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 a flooding incident, always call your insurance company. The flood damage might be covered by your homeowners insurance, but some flooding losses are not – you might need separate flood insurance. If the loss is covered, 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 aid.

For any of your carpet water damage restoration needs, call the PuroClean professionals. Our restoration teams are trained to provide an industry-standard estimate and create a proper plan of action to restore your loss quickly.