What Should You Do If Your Basement Carpet Gets Wet?

To decide what to do if yourbasementis flooded, go by these rules: If the floodwater was clean (think broken pipes, a burst washing machine supply hose or a foundation leak), you can probably dry out and save the carpet, but youve got to act fast. If the carpet isnt dry within 72 hours, itllstart to grow mold.

However, if the floodwater is dirty (we’re talking a sewer backup or washing machine drain water), you need to call inthe pros.

For this scenario, well assume the basementwas floodedwith clean water, the wateris now shut offand the carpet costis less than your insurance deductible (or you simply want to do it yourself to avoid a claim).

Turn Off Power

Before you set one boot on that squishy carpet, turn off the power to the basement. If youre unsurewhich breakers power the basement receptacles, flip the main circuit breaker in the garage panel. If your electrical panel is in the basement, call an electrician to turn off the power.

Next, remove any extension cords and power strips from the floor and unplug or switch off all electrical appliances (washer, dryer, HVAC). Ask the electrician (if you hired one) to repower the upstairs (to keep the fridge going) and inspect the basement receptacles to determine whether its safe to repower them. If not, you mustbuy several GFCI-equipped extension cords and run power from upstairs receptacles.

Getting Water Out Of Your Basement

Once the risk of electrical shock hasbeen eliminated, its time toextract the water from the carpet. Dont waste your time trying to dry out the carpet with a wet/dry shop vacuumit simply doesnt have enough power.Instead, rent an extractor (if available) or carpet cleaner, an air mover fanor twoandalargecommercialdehumidifier.Rent the largest dehumidifier available. The big ones can remove up to 30 gallons per day, compared with 4 gallons for thelargesthome units.

Tips for Using a Water Extractor

Extraction is 1,200 times more effective than dehumidification. Youll want to move the extractor slowly across the carpet to suck up as much water as possible. Dont rush this step!

Removing Water-Logged Carpet

Once the water is out, peel back the carpeting (watch out for those rusted sharp nails on the tackless stripping) and remove the wet pad. Cut the pad into strips, roll it upandhaul it outside. If the weather is hot, dryandsunny, you can try drying it yourself by rolling it out on your driveway. If that works, you can reinstall it by taping it back together. Just be aware that a new carpet pad is cheap, so dont wastea lot oftime trying to dry the old stuff.

Lay the carpet back on the floor and fireupthe air movers and rental dehumidifier. Keep the basement temperature at or below 75 degrees F. You might think hotter is better because it will dry out everything faster. But a higher temp will accelerate bacterial growth and turn your basement into a petri dish.

While the carpet is drying, check the condition of thewall insulation. If you dont have insulation andyoudry out the basement quickly, you dont have to replace the drywall. But if the insulation is wet, it has to go (wetinsulation cannotbe saved). Snap a chalk line, cut the drywall with a recip sawandtoss the wet stuff. Replace the insulation and install new drywall.

When To Call a Pro

If youhada sewer backup,washing machine drain water spillor river flood, you need professional help.Pros are the only ones with the proper equipment to dry and disinfect your basementin the shortest possible time.

To find a certified water restoration professional, search online for Water Damage Restoration.Look for IICRC (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification) credentials in the company information (Servicemaster is onecompany that is fully certified).Or, go toiicrc.organd click on Locate a Pro.

Be aware that pros can give you a rough price estimate (the average cost of a basement cleanup is $2,500), but the final cost depends on how long it takes them to dry out your basement. There arejusttoo many variables beyond their control (inside and outside temperature and humidity levels) to give you a set price upfront. Be wary of any company thatgivesyou a set price over the phone.