Assessing the Damage
When sewage has flooded your home and soaked into the carpeting, it is crucial to act quickly to remove the contaminated carpet and mitigate any further damage. The first step is to evaluate how much sewage has soaked into the carpet and pad. Check whether the sewage has seeped all the way through to the subfloor or only penetrated the top layers of carpet. Also, determine if drywall or baseboards have been affected. The extent of contamination will determine the proper cleaning and removal methods.
It is also vital to identify what type of sewage has flooded the home. Wastewater from washing machines or sinks has fewer contaminants than water from toilets. Raw sewage from main sewer line backups is the most hazardous as it may contain dangerous bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Understanding the type of wastewater will dictate the necessary safety precautions.
Drying Out the Carpet
After assessing the damage, the next step is to remove excess moisture from the carpet if possible. Use towels to soak up as much liquid as possible. Then, try using a wet/dry vacuum to extract more water from the carpet fibers and pad. Running dehumidifiers and fans helps accelerate drying.
However, if the sewage has soaked deep into the padding or subfloor, the carpet and pad may be too saturated to dry effectively. At a certain point, the carpet and pad may need to be discarded if they remain damp for over 48 hours. Mold and bacteria will start growing, creating hazardous conditions.
Sanitizing and Disinfecting
For minor flooding from relatively clean wastewater, sanitizing and disinfecting the carpet may be sufficient. Use an EPA-approved disinfectant made for sanitizing carpets after flooding. Test it in an inconspicuous area first. Be sure to follow instructions and let it fully dry. This may kill bacteria and give the carpet a clean scent.
However, for heavy sewage flooding, no amount of disinfectant can sanitize the carpet thoroughly enough. The pad and contaminated carpet will most likely need removal. But disinfecting the subfloor and baseboards can help protect your health from bacteria left behind after carpet removal.
Removing and Disposing of Contaminated Carpet
Unfortunately, some sewage floods require full carpet removal and replacement. Roll up smaller carpets and pad and discard. For wall-to-wall carpeting, carefully cut out sections and roll or fold them up. Wear gloves, a mask, and eye protection when handling contaminated carpet.
Bag or wrap contaminated carpet in plastic sheeting and seal it. The carpet can be heavy, so it may require two people to carry it. Label the plastic bags or sheeting as hazardous sewage waste so trash collectors avoid direct contact. Most municipalities allow homeowners to discard damaged carpet in regular trash pickup. Always double-check your local hazardous waste disposal guidelines for carpets.
Hiring a Professional Restoration Company
For extensive sewage flooding, the best option is hiring a professional water damage restoration company. They have powerful truck-mounted extraction systems that remove more water than a homeowner can extract with a portable wet/dry vacuum. Professionals also have access to commercial dehumidifiers and drying equipment that can dry out carpeting and pads in place.
Furthermore, companies may offer microbial remediation services to sanitize carpets after sewage flooding. They use specialized chemicals and advanced equipment like injection systems to distribute disinfectant deep into carpet fibers and pads. Their professional gear leads to better cleaning results.
Replacing Carpeting
After discarding contaminated carpeting and pad, the final step is installing new carpet. Make sure the subfloor or floor underneath has completely dried first. Check for warping or water damage and make repairs before installing new pad and carpet. Considerusing waterproof flooring or treated carpet pad in flood-prone areas.
Hire a professional carpet installer for best results. They will ensure the carpet is stretched properly to avoid future buckling issues. Choosing a water-resistant carpet made of synthetic, stain-resistant fibers also helps protect against future flooding. With the right preparation, new carpet can last for years after a sewage flood.
Key Takeaways
- Act quickly after flooding to remove contaminated carpeting and mitigate further damage.
- Assess the type of sewage and extent of contamination to determine if the carpet can be saved.
- Try drying carpet with fans, dehumidifiers, and extraction equipment. Discard if it stays wet for over 48 hours.
- Sanitize minor floods with EPA-approved disinfectant. But heavily contaminated carpet and pad will likely require removal.
- Wear protective gear when removing carpet. Bag it in plastic and label as hazardous sewage waste before discarding.
- Hire a professional company for large sewage flooding. They have truck-mounted extraction tools and drying equipment to salvage carpet.
- Ensure the subfloor has fully dried before installing new carpet and pad. Consider waterproof flooring.
