Should I Replace My Carpet After a Pipe Break?

9/13/2019 (Permalink)

In ideal situations, homeowners can usually clean wet carpets rather than replacing them.

When dealing with a pipe break in Summit, Lake, Park & Eagle Counties, CO, it is likely that your carpeted flooring will be exposed to prolonged water saturation. Consider the following three factors when debating whether to clean or replace carpet flooring after a house flood.

1. Water Contamination Level
Any time flooding occurs in your home, the degree of contamination can be determined on a scale from 1 to 3. 1st degree flood water contamination is often referred to as clean water contamination. When water leaks from a sanitary source such as a sink or tub it is not contaminated yet but can cause structural damage. Rather than ripping up your padded floors and throwing them all away, attempt to salvage the carpeting. Pull back the flooring all the way to the padding and dry it out in the following ways:

Open windows for fresh air
Use fans to circulate air
Use a shop vac to suck-up excess sitting water

2. Amount of Exposure
After determining the source of the flooding, figure out how long has the carpet has been soaking in water. Even when a pipe break leaks sanitary water, the water's contamination level can change drastically with time. If your rug has been exposed to water for more than a couple of days the pollution may be considered "grey water" making it less sanitary. Carpeting that has grey or black water flooding may not be as easily salvaged.

3. Resources for Restoring
It's true, flood restoration may sound like a hassle after experiencing a home pipe break. However, restoring rather than replacing your floors can save you a lot of money in the long run. Evaluate the resources you have at your disposal and consider hiring a home water restoration company. These experienced professionals have the tools and experience needed to help you in your effort to save your existing flooring.