What Causes & What Fixes Carpet Water Damage?

After a flood of any kind, the most prominent damage to occur is carpet water damage. This type of damage typically costs hundreds, if not thousands of dollars to fix, not including the price of the carpet. In some cases, such as that of a pipe bursting or other household accident, homeowner’s insurance will help pay for the problem. However, in the case of natural disaster, if a homeowner does not have insurance that specifically states the flood damage is covered, the cost of carpet water damage restoration and any other damage rests on the hands of the homeowner.

Flood insurance is only mandatory, if the homeowner lives in or around a flood prone area, such as that near a river, ocean or other such area. Banks and other lenders located in Florida, for example, typically require the homeowner to purchase this type of home insurance because the threat of flooding is higher since the state is below sea level. This greatly increases the chance of occurring damage to carpets, floors, walls and other household items. Otherwise, the insurance to cover the damage in relation to a flood is optional and costly.

Three types of flooding exist that can cause water damage to carpet, black water, sanitary and unsanitary flooding. Sanitary flooding is when incoming water pipes leak or break and this water has not been contaminated with anything. Unsanitary water is water could have contaminants in it, and black water is known to be contaminated, such as ocean or river water in addition to anything that contains raw sewage or any water that has touched the ground.

In all cases, evacuation is necessary at least until what type of water is flooding the building or home is determined. Additional steps may be taken if the water is deemed unsanitary or black, since these types of floodwaters can cause massive health problems. To combat the damage of the black floods, everything covering the floors or any other items that were touched by the water must be thrown away.

Unsanitary water damage typically leaves molding rings and other marks on everything the water touches. A short exposure time to the water will not do too much damage and carpet cleaning water damage areas should be sufficient. In the case of a long-standing flood, the damage is more extensive and this can lead to structural damage in addition to health hazards as well. Black mold, for instance, is one mold that forms in the aftermath of any flood. This mold is deadly and can be found anywhere the water hits, including a water damaged carpet or in any type of ceiling water damage.

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