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I hope, you have a basement in your house. It provides some utility and storage space. Floor insulation is improved. Do you use your basement as a finished room? Laying a carpet there is a great idea. However, how to dry wet carpet in the basement? Let’s discuss the best modern methods existing nowadays. Which devices or household appliances can be used? Get some useful tips and put the work in hand.
Why Underground Basements are Rare in California?
If you live in our beautiful golden state, you would notice it. Multiple houses are built without having any underground basements. What is the basic reason? Quite naturally, it’s because of the favorite CA climate.
According to the California Building Code, the house footing is to be below the frost line. It is to be protected from frost. However, the frost line in California is very deep. Quite naturally, it depends on the city location. However, it’s not less than 3-4 inches below the surface.
Are Basements Deep in California?
As frost is not an issue, there is no need to build a basement and dig deep. The other evident reasons include:
- attempts to save on building materials, time and labor;
- dry soils and rocks in the areas;
- absence of tornado threats;
- high risk of earthquakes.
A probability of having wet carpet in the basement after rain in a CA house is not high. Basements here are commonly only several feet deep. There is no need for the fall migration of domestic stuff to the basement. Additionally, due to large migration to CA during the past age, houses were built affordably and fast. Housing density in multiple Californian cities is very high.
Reasons for Water Leakage
A wet basement is a common problem. Located below under the surface level, these spaces are vulnerable to flooding. It may happen:
- after the heavy rains;
- due to cracks in the foundation or concrete floor;
- because of insufficient water drainage;
- as the pipes are broken;
- as a result of ground shifts.
I hope, no spring flood or earthquake happens. Meanwhile, there is no need to state: “My carpet is wet and I don’t know why”. You are to find the damage source and eliminate the flooding. Otherwise, it can be dangerous. Mold and mildew growth are not the only possible risks.
How to Dry Basement Carpet?
During flooding, the risk of injury by current or electrocution is high. Therefore, cut off the power before touching the water. I am sure, you can find and reach the breaker in your own house easily. Don’t forget to take a powerful flashlight along!
The other possible health hazards may arise due to:
- water contamination;
- wreckage of the building materials;
- water heater or furnace damage;
- mold growth.
Appliances like washing machines, furnaces, and air conditioners are commonly located in the basement. It makes the risk of electrical failure even more serious.
A sump pump would be essential. I think the landlord is responsible for its installation. Avoid panic. When your house is flooded, how to dry it out? Keep calm and call responsible professionals.
First of all, the help of electricians may be necessary. Is the water level higher than the electrical outlets? It’s dangerous. What about the cleanup? If you’ve got a hot water extractor carpet cleaner, it does the job. Quite naturally, you would need to call a plumber and your insurance company. Dry cleaning services can be avoided. Save on them, as your unexpected expenditures are heavy these days.
How to Dry Carpet After Flood?
Are you sure, all safety precautions are observed? If no flood warnings are in effect anymore, set about the water extraction. Start with your stuff removing. Move out all items, including:
- furniture;
- electronics;
- books;
- clothing.
Meanwhile, restoring your favorite carpet is possible. If you can’t remove it to the yard or another room, dry the textile right at the basement. It can be glued to the floor, or just be too large and heavy-weight. Quite naturally, the best way to get water out of carpet is by using a wet vacuum. A powerful device like steam cleaner or hot water extractor is also efficient in this case.
Minor items like magazines or cardboards are better to be disposed of. If they are saturated with water, saving them is of no use. Porous materials like fabrics (for example, clothing) are better to remove to another area too. It is to be better ventilated to avoid mold growth.
The toxic organisms get favorable conditions and spoil your environment. Mold growth is to be prohibited, or, at least, minimized.
How to Dry Wet Carpet without Vacuum?
A device designed to soak up water is highly efficient. A regular household vacuum cleaner can be not suitable. It’s sufficient to remove only some water. If small carpet areas are wet due to drink spillage or pet urine, it can cope with the task.
Drying out flooded car carpet, you can use the appliance too. It’s designed for water spills elimination. For difficult flooding issues, use a powerful hot water extraction unit. It absorbs moisture fast, lifting from 150 to 200 inches of water instantly. The machine removes all dust and dirt from the carpet.
After the cleaning, the environment is pretty safe for your family members and pets. Quite naturally, some mild detergents can be used for stains removal. They eliminate the unpleasant, musty smell. Additionally, due to the powerful motor, the carpeting remains only a bit dampish.
What about the padding? It’s still wet. Some water can remain beneath the carpet if you use an ordinary vacuum. A powerful hot water extractor is more efficient. If you don’t have a unit, just rent it. Nevertheless, the moisture is to evaporate as soon as possible.
How Long Should I Run a Dehumidifier after a Flood?
Due to the flooding, the humidity level in the basement is extremely high. Reduce it with any domestic appliance at hand, such as:
- fan;
- hairdryer;
- dehumidifier.
Open the windows if they are available. Direct the airflow over the carpet. If possible, raise it off the floor. The padding should not remain wet for hours. Don’t forget to empty the container as soon as it’s full of dirty water.
What’s about the time to run the devices? The minimum time to make them operate is not less than overnight. However, it depends on the water spill quantity.
| Water spill, gal | Time to dry the room |
|---|---|
| 30 | 3 days |
| 10 | 24 hours |
| 5 | overnight |
| 1 | 6-7 hours |
Additionally, some sanitation is necessary. It’s essential, especially, if the flooding was caused by the drainage system failure. A steam cleaner does the job. The temperatures used are a bit higher than in a hot water extractor. Disinfectants can be also required. They help you to kill bacteria and prevent mold growth.
Overall Impression
Now you know how to soak up water from the carpet. Your snuggery basement is safe, clean and dry now. With a powerful device like a hot water extractor or steam cleaner, it’s not difficult. Even after flooding in your basement, you can manage it by yourself, without professional help. Just don’t forget about safety precautions, and ensure the proper airflow. Engage the devices to raise the humidity in the room. Let them run overnight and enjoy your perfect finished basement look.
Video Review: How to Dry Wet Carpet in Basement?
Further Reading
