Basement Flooded, carpet all wet what should I do about carpet?

Question

My basement flooded again (due to problem with sump pump...but now that is fixed). The carpet is all wet once again. It took days to dry out last time with help from my Kirby. Should I get rid of the carpet? Should a basement even have carpet? Is there probably mildew under the carpet? If so, what kind of tile should I lay after I remove the carpet? Help! My basement is drowning (but it is going down as we speak...due to the sump pump).

Answer 1

the problem with doing it yourself is the risk of mold... what needs to happen is you need to suck up as much standing water as possible from the carpet... if you have padding under the carpet you need to lift the carpet and remove the wet padding and then arrange fans so that they can blow underneath the carpet as well as the top of the carpet this will reduce your drying time needed to completely dry the carpet... probably the best thing to do is to completely remove the carpet and get rid of it and either do a ceramic tile which will be a lot easier to clean if you should have this problem again or do a vinyl flooring however if you do vinyl flooring you still stand a chance of mold if you have this problem again and the water seeps under the flooring... good luck whatever you decide...

Answer 2

get rid of the pad, dry carpet, dispose of carpet if mildewed or moldy, dry and treat basement with mildewcide. And don't call any of the restoration companies that come out and charge a huge amount just because insurance is footing the bill. Past experience with basement would indicate you would be better off getting rid of the carpet. How about stained concrete

Answer 3

purchase a dry and wet vac and suck up the water or rent one.
It depends on what kind of carpet you have in the basement. You may want to remove the carpet if it has mildew and mold. I suggest you check out the quality of the different tiles at Home Depot or another supplier as to what kind would be best for you to use in your basement.

Answer 4

After you get rid of the carpet, seriously consider not replacing it. It's below grade (damp), you already have a sump pump which confirms plenty of moisture is present.

If you must, get some throw rugs that can be removed for cleaning and/or stored in a dry location.

Answer 5

Im certified with the IICRC (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification). You need to contact a carpt cleaning company in your area which is also certified. They need to dry the carpet, floors and walls. Even though you get the water off the carpet, the room still needs to be dehumidified. FYI Your insurance company should cover this.
The padding will no doubt need to be replaced.

Answer 6

First, find the cause of the water getting in. Clogged gutters... clear 'em out. Gutters OK... install a downspout extension to direct the water further away from your foundation. You might also consider having a French drain installed around the side of the house where the water is getting in. Then get a wet-vac and get the water up before it ruins your basement and carpet.

Answer 7

do you have insurance? My basement flooded two years ago, I called my insurance company and they had professional cleaners remove all the wet carpet because of the risk of mold

Answer 8

If you have your insurance cover it you may want to consider what effect that may have on you. Will it count as a claim and so on? Also if you sell the property (within 5 years) and it does count as a claim you will have to disclose that information. I'm not sure if there is a mold issue but good luck.

Answer 9

At least replace the pad. It will definately mildew.

Check with your insurance agent. You may be able to get the water professionally extracted & whole thing replaced for the cost of your deductable.