Help please - Tropical Storm Fay got carpet wet

15 years ago

Hi everyone.

We are fine but we have been having lots of rain from Tropical storm Fay. We are Melbourne FL on the east central coast. If you heard of Melbourne or southern Brevard county, then that's where we are. It's been raining for 4 days. We are fine but there's some ground water seepage into the edges of 3 carpeted rooms. It's wall to wall carpeting. Its not sewage, just rain water that saturated the ground so much, that some of the water seeped into the carpet. We have fans & dehumdifier running. Also a/c set to lower temp to reduce humidity. Carpet drying somewhat. Pad left on floor (concrete below). Not sure why this was done, but had other issues to contend with, so DH managed this issue. I will get carpet in all 3 rooms cleaned, but want to make sure that seepage has stopped. May have to replace at least 2 rooms of carpet but again need to make sure that rain and seepage has stopped. Any advice appreciated. Perhaps I need to spray 1/10 water solution of bleach on concrete, or pad.

Or perhaps not, since this will add to wetness. I am going to check w professional carpet cleaning company, but I need any real world advice.

Thanks much.

Lynne

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (4)

grittymitts
15 years ago
Oh, bless your hearts! As a former property manager I have lots of experience with wet carpet & I strongly suggest you use a wet vac- go over several times. It's always best to pull carpet back & allow fans to blow until it AND subfloors are COMPLETELY dry. Carpet companies will sell you the length of padding you need- it's ususally taped or glued to subfloor, butting up against edge of remaining pad, but you will need a professional to re-stretch (kick) carpet to tack strip, anyway, so you may want to go that route. IF there if ANY mildew on carpet backing, don't even try to save it.

Good luck!!!!
jannie
15 years ago
I agree with Gritty. Pull the rugs (and padding ) up as much as you can , put fans on it for several days. If any floor is exposed, was with a solution of bleach and water.
Related Professionals
East Islip Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Hammond Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Moraga Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Newington Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Palmetto Estates Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Pike Creek Valley Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · South Farmingdale Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Cherry Hill Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · University City Kitchen & Bathroom Remodelers · 93927 Kitchen & Bathroom Remodelers · Camarillo Kitchen & Bathroom Remodelers · Oklahoma City Kitchen & Bathroom Remodelers · Toms River Kitchen & Bathroom Remodelers · Glenn Heights Kitchen & Bathroom Remodelers · Mountain Top Kitchen & Bathroom Remodelers
stir_fryi SE Mich
15 years ago
Had this happen in our FL condo as well last year.

I used a powerful wet/dry vac to suck up as much water as I could, then ran multiple fans.

I did have anyone with me to help me pull up the carpet so that was the best I could do.

Took about 3-4 days to dry completely.
reeree_natural
15 years ago
OMG Lynne! I am so glad to hear everyone is ok, that is the most important! I have been out of the loop here, just popped on. Sorry to hear about your carpets.. I agree, really try to pull them up where they are wet and wet vac them as much as you can..then leave a fan on for a few days until they are completely dry, or you will get mold and mildew under it..you don't want that!

I have family down there, they had the heavy rain also, but everyone is ok thank goodness.

let us know how you make out. Again, so sorry you are going through this.
Ree