How to Remove and Replace Wet Carpet After a Basement Flood
If your basement just flooded, you're probably standing on squishy, soaked carpet—and wondering what to do next. I’ve been in hundreds of basements just like yours across Grove City, Columbus, and surrounding areas. Let’s walk through exactly how we handle wet carpet removal and what you can expect if you're dealing with this mess.
Step 1: Stop the Water and Assess the Damage
Before you rip anything out, find and stop the source of the water. If it’s from a burst pipe or sump pump failure, shut it off. If you’ve already done that—good. Now, check:
How deep is the water?
Is it clean (Category 1), gray (Category 2), or contaminated (Category 3)?
How long has the carpet been wet?
Pro Tip: Carpet that's been wet longer than 48 hours or exposed to dirty water usually can't be saved. That’s not just our opinion—it’s backed by the ANSI/IICRC S500 standard for professional water damage restoration.
Step 2: Pull Back the Carpet
Start in a corner and carefully pull up the carpet. Most carpets are stretched over tack strips around the room. Wear gloves. Wet carpet is heavy, and tack strips are sharp.
Roll it back and inspect the padding underneath. Carpet padding acts like a sponge—once it’s soaked, it’s usually trash.
Step 3: Remove the Padding and Dry the Subfloor
Use a utility knife to cut out sections of wet padding. Bag it up and get it out of the house.
Next, dry the subfloor. This is crucial. Use fans, dehumidifiers, and possibly a professional drying setup if you're in deep. Moisture trapped under the floor can lead to mold fast.
Step 4: Clean and Disinfect
We treat all affected surfaces with antimicrobial solutions to stop mold and bacteria. This is especially important if the water was gray or black. Your basement needs to be fully dry and clean before you think about reinstalling carpet.
Step 5: Decide to Reinstall or Replace
If the carpet is in good shape and was only wet briefly with clean water, it might be salvageable. But in most real flood cases, we recommend replacing it. New padding is a must.
We’ll measure, install new tack strips if needed, lay fresh pad, and stretch new carpet for a clean, dry finish.
FAQs About Wet Carpet Removal
Is it safe to keep wet carpet after a flood?
Only if it’s dried within 24-48 hours and the water was clean. Otherwise, mold is a real risk.
Can I dry it myself with fans?
Small spills—maybe. Flooded basements? You’ll need professional-grade dehumidifiers and air movers to do it right.
Do you work with insurance?
Yes. We help homeowners in Grove City and across central Ohio navigate claims and get approved repairs done fast.
If your basement flooded, don’t wait. Mold can start growing in just 24 hours. Call Total Home Water Restoration at 380-246-1837 or visit us at 4141 Hoover Rd, Grove City, OH 43123. We’ll get your home back to dry, safe, and livable—like it never happened.
“From disaster to done right. We fix it like it’s our own home.”
