Damaged pipes, leaking roofs or heavy storms can cause serious water damage. It’s not fun to come home and find your rooms flooded and carpet soaked.
With so much on the line, it is wise to call a professional water damage cleaner. Here is what to expect:
#1 Find and block the leak
This bit you do yourself, ASAP. Finding the leak is important for two reasons. First, the water might still be leaking. You must find and block it before the specialists come. Second, you need to know if the water leaked from a clean pipe or a sewage pipe. If it’s the first, you might have a chance. If it’s the second, be ready to replace the affected carpeting, flooring and furniture.
Usually, leaks are caused by a broken pipe that remains connected to the water supply. It is often the main pipe in apartment buildings. It can also be the pipe bringing water to your water system if you do not turn it off every time you leave. It can also be several leaks at once. Make sure your inspection is thorough and you have determined the source accurately.
#2 Remove water and furniture
The cleaners will remove the water with an industrial wet vacuum. If you have a substantial amount of water flooding your home, inquire about their vacuum’s capacity. Small 30 l wet/dry vacuums are fine for an ankle-deep leak. If your house if flooded substantially, make sure they use industrial equipment with 100l+ capacity.
You will also need to move the affected furniture to a well-ventilated dry area. If you hire a professional, they will likely advise on which items are reasonable to salvage.
#3 Disinfect the carpet
Water, especially flood water carries dangerous infectants. If you dry the carpet without disinfecting, viruses, molds and bacteria will remain inside. Even if the water leaks from a clean pipe, it accumulates harmful infectants as it moves down its dirty exterior.
Disinfectant solutions include irritants and are not safe to apply without protection. Water damage cleaners will choose the best chemical solution for your carpet and know how to apply it. They will also advise you on safety procedures. You will know how long to continue ventilation, how long to avoid walking on the carpet and how long to wait till you can safely stay in your home again.
#4 Steam clean the carpet
Steam cleaning sanitises and deodorises the carpet and ensures the molds, mildews, viruses and bacteria are out. It also washes out the chemical residue from disinfection.
Steam cleaning is best for wall-to-wall carpets. You will likely still need to replace the carpet padding, though. For rugs, better send them for a proper rug wash.
#5 Dry the carpet
Open doors and windows, run fans and dehumidifiers and leave the carpet to dry for at least 12 hours. Then inspect the surface.
If the stains remain after drying, you will need to order a mold damage restoration service. If the damage is gone – congratulations! You have successfully restored your carpet from flood damage.