Flood damage to carpets: Why it’s A real emergency?

When their homes are affected by floodwater or other types of inundation, owners often direct their immediate focus to things like cabinetry and furniture. However what many fail to realise is that when carpets and underlay have become waterlogged and do not receive immediate attention, the emergency can become much worse, with knock-on consequences for the rest of the premises and the people who live there.

Cleaning water damaged carpets can be a complex process that should only be undertaken by professionals, and it’s critical that this treatment begins within 24 hours. Carpet cleaning and flood damage restoration experts agree that failing to react quickly enough, or attempting to clean the carpet yourself, will likely make the water damage worse.

So by being aware of the damage that water inundation can cause, you are in an excellent position to put together an appropriate action plan, including what to do and who to call when you have water damaged carpets.

How do carpets become water damaged?

Inundation is the main cause of water damage to carpets. Broadly speaking, inundation occurs when there is a sudden, unexpected influx of water. This can be due to:

  • heavy rain
  • pipes bursting or leaking
  • sewage backflow
  • baths or sinks overflowing
  • washing machines overflowing or leaking.

As most homes are not designed to deal with inundation, this water often becomes trapped inside the building, seeping into carpets and other surfaces.

Can’t I just remove the water?

When your home suffers flood damage, the visible water is only part of the problem. The sitting water can soak into fibrous floor coverings, like carpet and the underlay, causing them to expand, mark, or stain. This water can also weaken the fabric, making it more likely to wear and tear easily.

What many fail to realise is that water damaged carpets can also lead to secondary damage (mould, mildew, swelling etc.) to other surfaces, like wall plaster, skirting boards, timber studs, wood flooring, and even building foundations. Such mould and mildew can, in turn, lead to health issues, particularly respiratory problems. Depending on where it has come from (think floodwater, drains, sewers), the water may also contain microorganisms that can cause even more serious health problems.

If not treated correctly – and quickly – this damage will remain long after the water is gone.

What should I do if my home is inundated?

No matter the cause, inundation is an emergency, and you need to act quickly to minimise the damage to your carpet. Once you have identified and, if possible, stopped the cause of the flooding, we urge you to contact our professionals at Jenas Carpet Cleaning on 1300 887 131 to arrange your emergency restoration service.

We view these emergency calls as a high priority, and we can usually reach anywhere in Melbourne within the hour.