Tips for Protecting Your Carpet from Flooding

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Wet carpet is every homeowner’s nightmare, but you don’t have to sit around waiting for it to happen. During rainy seasons, you can be proactive about protecting your carpet and home from flash flooding. Let’s take a closer look.

What Happens if Your Carpet Gets Wet?

Besides the obvious problem of having to clean and dry your carpet while your every step squishes, wet carpet can cause long-term issues. Not only does repeated flooding shorten the lifespan of your flooring, but it also increases your chances of getting sick. Nasty toxins and pollutants can become trapped in your carpet fibers, escaping notice until mold growth occurs. Unbeknownst to you, you are ingesting these pollutants daily, weakening your immune system and causing allergies, respiratory infections, and more.

No matter where you live, it is important to take steps to prevent carpet mold. While there is no foolproof way to entirely prevent flooding (except maybe moving to the desert), you can certainly take precautions. Protecting your carpet from getting wet can be a simple precaution for your health.

How Can You Prevent Flooding?

To avoid wet carpets and the accompanying health risks, try applying the following tips to your household maintenance routine.

  • Seal all doors and windows.

Flooding typically occurs in basements, but water can get in through other doors and windows as well. If you are expecting heavy rainfall or storming in your area, it’s a good idea to check for leaks or drafts in any openings from your home. If you notice a draft, invest in weather sealing to block it.

  • Check your gutter’s downspouts.

All downspouts and other drainage areas should flow away from your home. Check your gutters to make sure they are clean and turned the correct way. Additionally, make sure that your lawn and driveway slope away from your home. Any water running towards your home can compromise your foundation and cause indoor flooding. 

  • Test your sump pump.

Your sump pump’s purpose is to prevent ground flooding from occurring. One of the steps to take in protecting your carpet is to test it periodically to ensure it doesn’t need to be serviced.

  • Follow proper sewage procedures.

Rainwater isn’t the only source of flooding. If you overload your plumbing system, pipes can clog and cause flooding. To avoid clogged pipes, make sure you avoid flushing non-flushable items, as well as putting large items down any of your drains.

What to Do in the Event of a Flood

As already mentioned, there is no sure-fire way to prevent flooding. Sometimes Mother Nature just does her thing. If you find yourself with wet carpet, respond with the following steps.

  • Soak up what you can with towels.
  • Use a wet vacuum if you have one.
  • Set up fans and dehumidifiers.
  • Schedule a professional carpet cleaning to remove mold spores and other toxins from the carpet.
  • Avoid walking on the carpet while it dries.

Call Spectrum Carpet Cleaning Today!

Spectrum Carpet Cleaning uses state-of-the-art equipment to deep-clean carpets and extract dirt and moisture trapped in the padding. We are located in Bristol, IN, and serve Elkhart County homeowners. Keep your home healthy and comfortable. Call today and schedule your carpet cleaning.