Posted on February 23, 2021 by Behnam Rugs

-In regards to the Winter Freeze in Texas, February 2021-

Our hearts go out to everyone affected by this winter freeze in Texas. Many homes experienced flooding, loss of power, internet, and other essentials. In Texas, pipes are weatherized for summer heat, but not winter cold. This oversight resulted in hundreds of millions of gallons of water leaking from frozen and burst pipes in homes across the state. We want to inform the community on what to do if your pipes burst and water has leaked on, or flooded your rugs.

When temperatures drop below 32 degrees, the water in your pipes freezes. Since water expands when frozen, pressure is put on your pipes, eventually causing cracks and breakage. Once temperatures warm, the water flows out of the holes it caused.

My Rug Has Been Flooded, What Do I Do?

Stop the Source

The first thing you should do is identify the source of the leak or flooding and do whatever you can to stop it. Turn off the water main. Do not turn it back on until a plumber or other expert says you are in the clear. In general, the valve shut-off should be next to your water meter in front of your house.

Dry Your Rugs

Once you stop the source of water, remove the rug and dry it ASAP. Use towels, fans, and a wet vac if you have one. Use towels first to soak up as much water as you can to prevent mold and mildew. This extends to anything wet, not just the floor. If you have a wet vac, use it on wet rugs and furniture. Never dry your rug face down initially. Use fans to dry the face of your rug before turning it face down and drying the back of the rug.

Rugs sustain damage when they sit in water for extended periods of time. Flooded rugs act like sponges, absorbing water and all the dirt and debris within it. This water causes color bleeding, texture changes, and mold. Most flooded rugs experience damage. The longer they sit in water, the more likely their colors will run. After 48 hours, mold and mildew begin to form.

If your rug is sitting in water, removing it from the room may come to mind. Wet rugs weigh at least five times as much as usual because of the absorbed water. Moving it yourself, especially if it is a large rug, can be dangerous. Trying to lift a water-logged rug can cause you to tear a muscle or tear the rug! We recommend calling us at 972-733-0400 to move it for you if you have a large wet rug in your home rather than moving it yourself with the help of family or friends.

How Does Behnam Rugs Treat Flooded Rugs?

If recent events have caused damage to your rugs, Behnam Rugs is here to help. We dry all water-damaged rugs before washing them to prevent color runs and mildew formation. We use a combination of sunlight, fans, dehumidifiers, and water extraction to dry your rugs.

Next, the rug goes through our 10 Step Hand Washing Process which cleans and sanitizes your rug. All dirt, debris, and odors from flooding are removed. Once cleaning is complete, we inspect the rugs for damage and appraise them for insurance purposes. We draw up a report in writing so that your insurance company can proceed accordingly. We also offer free verbal appraisals.

Who is Qualified to Appraise Fine Rugs?

Your rug should be evaluated by a Rug Master who knows the industry and works with rugs on a daily basis. A Rug Master knows the value of your rug based on a number of characteristics such as the style and condition, as well as industry factors such as the international exchange rate. For more details check out our Rug Master page. Every year we settle hundreds of insurance cases to get our customers the replacement value they deserve.

Some rugs sustain damage if moved from the flooded area due to their weight causing tears or stretching. This is why we recommend calling the experts at Behnam Rugs to move your rug for you. If your rug needs repairs, we will discuss your options with you. Common repairs needed for flooded rugs include color run treatment, patching, and damaged fringe repair.

We understand that your rugs are a valuable and sentimental part of your home. The sooner you allow us to treat your rugs, the higher the chance of saving them. If you have any questions about flooded rugs, call us as soon as possible at 972-733-0440 so we can walk you through how to care for them and schedule immediate service. Time makes all the difference when it comes to water damage and the recommendations above may save your rug from total loss.