Working To Save Your Carpet After a Pipe Break

4/9/2022 (Permalink)

Follow these Tips and Save Your Carpet After a Pipe Break.

If your home in Clearfield, UT, experiences a pipe break, you will have a lot to think about. Among your first concerns will be what in the home is salvageable and what will need to be thrown out. This often means worrying about your carpeting since it is on the floor and is more likely to get wet than anything else. At this time, you will also need to consider the condition of the materials beneath the carpeting, namely the padding.

In a few cases, you will be fortunate and will be able to save your carpeting. If the following conditions exist, your carpet is likely to be clean enough to keep in your home:

• The leaked water is from a clean source
• The leak was discovered quickly
• The carpeting and underlying pad can be dried professionally
• The carpeting is relatively new and in good shape

It is important to understand that each water leak is unique and situational. An experienced water damage repair company is often your best source of information in these circumstances, especially if you wish to keep your expenses to a minimum.

A More Complicated Pipe Break

A Category 1 water leak involves water from a clean source such as drinking water or unused cleaning water. Even with this situation to save many items you have only 24-48 hours to remove the water and dry out items such as clothing and furniture. The most effective water restoration plan is quick and accomplished with industrial vacuums and dryers.

A Category 2 water leak is a bit more serious and usually involves water that is mildly tainted with non-hazardous debris. This is something like the overflow from dishwashers or washing machines. If caught early enough, your carpeting might be salvageable with this leak, but the padding will likely have to be replaced.

A Category 3 leak is anything that involves hazardous materials, black water or water that has been standing for more than two or three days. Some examples of this category of water include the following:

• Overflowing toilets with solid matter
• Floods from exterior sources
• Sewage water
• Stagnant water from any source

Almost anything that comes in touch with the dirtiest water will need to be replaced. Even if an item seems as though it has been cleaned well enough, it still could contain pathogens and other nasty elements, making it safer and healthier to replace.

A Smart Course of Action

If you experience water in your home, it is important to keep safety first and foremost. If you are unsure of the cleanliness of the water, keep children, small pets and anyone else away from the water.

Make sure there are no electrical wires or outlets that could pose a danger to anyone. Watch out for hidden dangers if the water is opaque as it could be hiding obstacles or even small animals such as snakes or rats.

A pipe break in your home is never fun. With the right course of action, you can keep your expenses down and make sure your home remains a healthy place.