Two days matters
Queensland Health says carpets that have been waterlogged for more than two days may need to be removed, and wet conditions let mould grow (Queensland Health). The sooner the water comes out, the better the chance of keeping the carpet.
What to do now
- If water has reached power points or appliances, leave the power off until an electrician has checked it (Insurance Council).
- If a pipe has burst, turn the water off at the mains stop valve (RACV).
- Photograph the wet areas before you move anything, for your insurer.
- Lift furniture off the carpet, and open doors and windows if it’s safe.
What a drying business does
They extract the standing water, then measure how far it has spread, including into the underlay, the floor beneath and the bottom of the walls. They may lift the carpet to dry the underlay and subfloor. Then they set up air movers and dehumidifiers and come back to take readings until everything is dry.
Ask what they’ll check, how they’ll know it’s dry, and whether the underlay can be dried or needs replacing.
If the water was dirty
Floodwater and sewage are a different job from a clean-water leak. Tell the business where the water came from, so they come prepared and can tell you what can be cleaned and what needs to go.
Ask about the room, not just the carpet
Tell the business which rooms are affected and whether water reached walls, skirting boards or the room below. Ask what they will check beneath the carpet and how they will confirm the drying is complete.
Ask about your property