Water Damage Restoration: Steps to Save Your Carpets and Floors

Water can wreak havoc on your carpets and floors. From flash flooding to burst pipes, large amounts of water on your carpet can pave the way for mould, discolouration and bad odours. Here are our top tips to succeed in water damage restoration for your carpet and prevent a costly replacement.

Locate the source

If you have experienced heavy rainfall, the source of the water may be obvious. However, slowly leaking pipes may be more difficult to spot. Look out for warping flooring or walls, mould, and carpet separating from its backing, as these are all signs of water damage. 

Plug the leak

It is not possible to begin water damage restoration until the source of water has been fixed. Whether that's turning off your stop tap or waiting for the rain to end, you need to make sure that water is still not pouring onto your carpet before you can repair the damage. You should also remove any furniture or belongings from the saturated area. 

Wet vacuum

Water damage restoration cannot be carried out if your flooring is still saturated. Use a wet vacuum to remove as much of the water as possible. You may be able to rent a wet vacuum or hire a carpet cleaner to thoroughly remove the water.

Soak up any remaining water 

Your carpet may still be slightly damp after the water is removed. Using a towel, soak up as much water as you can. Avoid leaving a wet towel in one spot for too long, as this can trap moisture and lead to mould. 

Let the flooring dry

Water travels all the way through your carpet and underlay to the floor below. This can cause it to swell, warp and split. If possible, lift up your carpet and underlay to allow the floor underneath to dry. 

For isolated patches of damage, you may be able to peel back just a small section of carpet, but make sure that wet carpet does not sit folded over onto dry carpet. 

Wet rugs should be hung outside whenever possible. If you notice damage to the floor, you should get this repaired as soon as possible. 

Specialist equipment like dehumidifiers is a must to remove as much moisture as possible and minimise the chance of mould forming. Unfortunately, even with this equipment, you may find that the underlay needs replacing.

Clean it

In the cases of flooding or sewage leaks, your carpet will be covered with dirt and bacteria, as well as water. 

If you know that your carpet has been in contact with sewage, it is a health hazard and the best option is replacement. Other kinds of dirty water may be able to be cleaned up. 

For extreme cases like water-damaged carpet, you should hire a professional carpet cleaner to tackle the cleaning, as at-home products are unlikely to scratch the surface. 

Professional water damage restoration 

Repairing water-damaged carpet can be a long process that requires specialist equipment. Calling in a professional cleaner gives your flooring the best chance of recovering. Use the National Carpet Cleaners Association directory to find expert cleaners in your area and salvage your carpet. 

Search the carpet cleaner directory