Quick Answer
Okay, so here's the quick version. Your carpet's soaked. First, find a way to stop the leak. Period. After that, you've got a critical 24-48 hour window before mold starts to grow. For a small area with clean water, you *might* be able to tackle it yourself with a good wet/dry vacuum and powerful fans. This could cost you under $100 for equipment rental or purchase if you don't already own it. However, if the area is large, the carpet pad is saturated, or the water is contaminated (from a drain backup, toilet overflow, or outside flooding), do NOT attempt to clean it yourself. Call a professional water damage restoration service immediately. This will likely cost anywhere from $500 to several thousand dollars, but it's essential to prevent extensive mold growth, structural damage, and potential health hazards.
Common Symptoms
Possible Causes
Step-by-Step Diagnosis
Step 1
Stop the leak. Find the shutoff valve for the fixture or use the main water shutoff for the house. Nothing else matters until the water stops.
Step 2
Identify the water type. Is it clean (supply line), gray (drainage), or black (sewage/flood)? Your entire approach depends on this.
Step 3
Check the padding. Pull up a corner of the carpet and see how wet the pad is. A saturated pad almost always needs to be removed.
Step 4
Assess the subfloor. While the carpet is up, check the plywood or concrete underneath for moisture, discoloration, or softness.
Step 5
Use a moisture meter if you have one. It's the only way to know for sure how far the water has spread into baseboards and drywall.
Step 6
Clock the time. If the carpet has been wet for more than 48 hours, you must assume mold is present and act accordingly.
DIY vs Professional Costs
| Repair Type | DIY Cost | Professional Cost | Time Required |
|---|---|---|---|
Water Extraction | $40 - $75 | $200 - $800 | 2-4 hours |
Carpet & Pad Drying | $60 - $150 | $500 - $2,000 | 2-5 days |
Antimicrobial Treatment | $20 - $40 | (Included or $50-$200 if separate) | 1 hour |
Subfloor Drying/Repairs | $100+ | $1,000 - $5,000+ | 1-7 days |
When to Call a Professional Water Damage
- The water is from a sewage backup, toilet overflow, or outside flood (black water).
- The affected area is large, covering more than just a small section of a room.
- The carpet has been wet for more than 48 hours.
- The carpet padding is completely saturated.
- You can see or smell mold.
- The subfloor underneath the carpet feels soft, spongy, or is visibly damaged.
Prevention Tips
- Replace all your rubber appliance hoses with braided stainless steel lines. It's the best $50 you'll ever spend.
- Locate and test your main water shutoff valve so you know where it is in an emergency.
- Install water leak alarms under sinks, behind toilets, and near your water heater and washing machine.
- Regularly inspect areas where water is used. Look for small drips, corrosion, or stains.
- Keep your gutters and downspouts clean to prevent water from pooling against your foundation.
Frequently Asked Questions
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