There's nothing worse than experiencing a flooded basement caused by a leaky water heater or a severe storm. While many items might be salvageable, homeowners typically wonder if they can save their carpet or carpet pad following water damage.
While keeping a carpet is the more cost-effective solution, sometimes it's better to replace it. This guide will explore when Upper Marlboro, Maryland, residents can keep their carpet or carpet padding and when to replace them.
When Is It Possible to Save Carpet and Carpet Padding?
The first step to knowing whether or not a homeowner can save their carpet is understanding the three categories of water damage:
Category One
Experts designate the first category of water damage as "clean water." Examples include clean rainwater or water from a broken pipe that hasn't mixed with contaminants.
It's possible to save a carpet or carpet pad from this type of water damage. However, the carpet needs to be wet for 48 hours or less. Unfortunately, major organizations like FEMA, CDC, and EPA recommend removing carpets that have been wet for 48 hours or more.
Category Two
Carpet that's been wet for 48 hours or more degrades into becoming category two water damage. Category two water is also called greywater and includes water sources like:
- Overflow from appliances like dishwashers, laundry machines, or any devices that use chemicals
- Overflowing toilets with waste
- Failing sump pumps
- Broken aquariums
Sometimes, it's possible to restore carpet when water damage occurs. However, homeowners will need to replace carpet padding.
Greywater is very dangerous, too, and can cause illness when ingested. A water damage restoration company should deal with this issue.
Category Three
Category three water damage includes category two water that sat out for 24 to 48 hours. Experts also call this water blackwater, which contains very harmful contaminants and pathogens. Some examples are:
- Sewage and toilet backflows
- Flooding from rivers, oceans, and streams
- Other weather-related water like storms and hurricanes
When faced with blackwater, homeowners must replace their carpet and carpet padding.
Why Call a Professional Team for Water Damage
When dealing with water damage of any kind, it's almost always better to call a professional team. While homeowners can save money in the short term, they may need to pay more for future repairs. Other reasons to call a professional team include:
- Dealing with water damage can be dangerous: Following a flood or heavy rains, it's better to assume that the water is contaminated. When swallowed, grey and blackwater trigger serious health issues. Additionally, they can infect cuts and other open-skin surfaces.
- A more rigorous process: Homeowners may have tools at their disposal, like shop vacs, squeegees, and dehumidifiers. However, professionals can use high-performing tools. Additionally, they can use tools that check for lingering moisture.
- Prevents mold growth: Mold is prevalent following water damage. Mold spores especially love to target wet carpets. Water damage technicians will ensure that all carpets and padding are mold-free.
Mitigate Water Damage with Top To Bottom Renovation, Inc.
Top To Bottom Renovation, Inc. can quickly take care of any water damage to carpet or carpet padding. Their IIRC-certified team brings numerous years of experience paired with the best technology. Discover their water damage services by calling (866) 746-5826!
