The short answer
Safety First
Before you touch anything, shut off the water supply and turn off power to the affected room if standing water is present. Wear rubber gloves, safety glasses, and a respirator mask to avoid contact with contaminated water. If you feel unwell, see a doctor.
Open windows and doors to increase airflow. Use fans and dehumidifiers to dry the space, but avoid using a regular vacuum on wet carpet. If the water came from a toilet or drain, treat it as contaminated and avoid skin contact.
Remove Wet Carpet
Cut the carpet into strips with a utility knife, starting from a corner. Roll each strip from the wet area toward the dry area to keep the moisture contained. Remove the padding underneath, as it absorbs water and cannot be saved.
Dispose of the carpet and padding in heavy trash bags. Pull up any staples or tack strips carefully. Inspect the subfloor for warping or mold. If the subfloor is particleboard or OSB, it may need replacement once it gets wet.
- Wear a mask to avoid inhaling mold spores
- Cut carpet in small sections for easier handling
- Roll carpet away from the center of the room
- Remove all tack strips and staples
- Check the subfloor for soft spots or staining
- Dry the subfloor completely before new flooring
Handle Hardwood Floors
Hardwood flooring often buckles or cups after water exposure. Start by removing the baseboards to release pressure. Pry up the boards gently with a crowbar, starting from the most damaged area. Label each board if you plan to reuse it.
Separate damaged boards from those that are still dry. Boards that are swollen or discolored cannot be refinished. Allow the subfloor to dry for several days. If the hardwood is engineered, it usually delaminates and must be discarded.
Deal with Laminate and Vinyl
Laminate flooring swells at the seams and edges when wet. Remove the planks by lifting the locking edges. Once removed, dry the subfloor with fans. Laminate rarely survives water damage, so plan to replace it entirely.
Vinyl sheet flooring can sometimes be lifted and dried if the water was clean. Peel back the vinyl from a corner and dry both sides. If it is glued down, the adhesive may fail. For vinyl plank, check for curling at the edges.
- Lift laminate from the seams to avoid breaking locks
- Dry vinyl sheet flooring on both sides
- Check for adhesive failure on glued-down vinyl
- Discard any flooring with mold growth
- Allow the subfloor to dry for at least 48 hours
- Use a moisture meter to test the subfloor
When to Call the Pros
If the water came from a sewage backup or sat for more than 48 hours, the risk of mold and bacteria is high. Local water damage pros have industrial drying equipment and can test for hidden moisture. They usually remove flooring and treat the subfloor with antimicrobial solutions.
If you live in Scottsdale, keep your shutoff valve location written down. Sudden flooding can happen during heavy summer storms. For complex jobs, the pros can handle the entire removal process safely.
Water damage does not wait
Water keeps spreading into floors and walls, so it is worth acting early. Calls are answered 24/7.
Call Now (623) 624-8391Frequently asked questions
Can I save my carpet after water damage?
Usually not. Carpet padding absorbs water and holds moisture, leading to mold growth. Even if the carpet dries, the backing may separate. If the water was clean and you act within 24 hours, a professional may be able to clean it, but replacement is often safer.
How long does wet flooring take to dry?
It depends on the material and humidity. Hardwood subfloor can take three to five days with fans and dehumidifiers. Carpet padding may take longer. Use a moisture meter to check. If you see mold or smell musty odors, the drying process is incomplete.
Should I remove the subfloor too?
Only if it is particleboard, OSB, or visibly warped. Plywood subfloor can often be dried and reused if it is not stained or soft. Test for moisture with a meter. If the subfloor has mold, you may need to replace it. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered.