Wet carpet is one of the most common kinds of water damage. Whether it can be saved depends on the type of water, how long it stayed wet and whether the pad underneath is soaked. Carpet water damage service extracts the water, dries or replaces the pad and treats the carpet to stop mold and odor.
Clean water caught quickly often means the carpet can be saved. Water from a toilet, sewage or flooding usually means the carpet and pad must go.
When you need carpet water damage
- Soaked carpet after a leak or overflow
- A musty smell from carpet after it got wet
- Carpet that stays damp for more than a day
- Water that ran under carpet from a nearby room
What the job involves
- Find and stop the water source.
- Extract water from the carpet and pad.
- Lift the carpet to dry or replace the pad underneath.
- Dry the subfloor and carpet with air movers and dehumidifiers.
- Clean and deodorize, or replace if contaminated.
What affects the cost
Sifixit does not quote prices, because every job is different. These are the things that move the price up or down, so you can compare quotes fairly:
- Clean or contaminated water
- Pad replacement
- Square footage
- Subfloor drying
- Carpet replacement if needed
Insurance
When water damage is covered, insurers usually pay to dry carpet first and replace it only if it cannot be saved. Photograph the carpet and keep samples if your adjuster asks.
Licensing by state
Rules differ a lot between states. Here is who licenses this work in the states Sifixit covers most. Always ask for the license number and check it with the state.
- Most states do not license water damage or fire restoration companies. Ask about IICRC certification, insurance and references instead.
Local help for carpet water damage
- Water damage restoration in Fort Lauderdale, FL
- Water damage restoration in Miami, FL
- Water damage restoration in San Antonio, TX
- Water damage restoration in Alpharetta, GA
- Water damage restoration in Arlington, TX
- Water damage restoration in Atlanta, GA
Quick answers: carpet water damage
Can wet carpet be saved?
Often, after clean water, if drying starts within a day or two. Carpet soaked by sewage or floodwater is usually replaced.
Does the carpet pad need replacing?
Often, because pad holds water and grows mold.
How long does wet carpet take to dry?
Often a few days with professional equipment.
Why does my carpet smell after getting wet?
Moisture left in the pad or subfloor lets bacteria and mold grow.
Who dries wet carpet?
A water damage restoration company. Sifixit can connect you with a local provider.
Looking for carpet water damage? Call the number on this page to be connected with an independent local provider. For more background, see FEMA’s flood insurance pages.
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