Water Damage and Carpets: What Homeowners Need to Know

One of the most critical issues with water-damaged carpets is what type of water did the damage. The condition of the water is often a determining factor is whether the carpet is salvageable. The three relevant classifications of water are clean, gray, and black.

Clean water, sometimes called white water, is water that contains no contaminants or dangerous organisms, such as rainwater and water from a broken water supply pipe. Tub and sink overflows are also examples of clean water in some instances.

Gray water is the wastewater that your household produces that has no contact with sewage. Gray water has some contamination but is usually not dangerous to humans. Examples of gray water include the wastewater from your dishwasher and washing machine. The water that flows into your drain after a shower is also gray water.

Blackwater is the most dangerous type of water because it contains numerous pathogens that can harm human beings and animals. For instance, if floodwaters from a nearby stream or river enter your home, you often deal with blackwater. Any water from sewage is blackwater as well.

A crucial point to keep in mind is that although gray water is not typically harmful at first, it can become more dangerous over time as pathogens in the water increase. For example, if you do not get rid of gray water that has spilled on your floor within 48 hours, it can turn into blackwater.

The first step in attempting to salvage your carpet is to identify the type of water involved. When you determine that you have blackwater, the best course of action is to replace the carpet. You do not want to take any chances with the health of you and your family.

You can often salvage carpeting soaked with gray water if you act quickly. A professional carpet cleaning service will have the training and expertise to save these carpets in many situations.

First, the service uses a wet-vac to get the water out of the carpet and treat the carpet with products that eliminate any contaminants. Then, the technicians place high-powered fans near the carpet and keep the fans running continuously. The fans generally are left in place for about a week after the carpet feels dry.

Carpets damaged by clean water are the easiest to salvage. The carpet cleaning service should be able to save the carpet in the vast majority of cases.

After the initial cleaning, the carpet needs a steam cleaning as well. When a professional steam cleans your carpet, you can rest assured that it is now completely sanitized.

In addition to carpeting, you might have a valuable area rug that has received clean water damage. Valuable rugs need cleaning from a professional. Although you could possibly get away with cleaning the rug yourself, do not take any chances with a valuable furnishing.

Cleaning water-damaged carpets is not an easy task in most instances. The average homeowner is unlikely to have the knowledge and expertise to do the job properly. Fortunately, the trained professionals at All State Carpet & Tile Care are experts at cleaning all types of carpets. Contact us for assistance or to learn more about water-damaged carpets. We look forward to speaking with you.