After a wet basement

**1100011CS** · 06-13-2008, 01:11 PM

So, the water in my basement is receding and my carpet hanging outside is finally starting to dry. I was told there is something I should spray on my carpet after putting it back down to eliminate mold issues. Anyone know what that is? And do I spray it before putting the carpet back or after?

**CycloneWanderer** · 06-13-2008, 01:16 PM

I don't know much, but here is what a quick google search got me. Hope it helps.

Instructions for Remediating Moisture in the First 48 hours to Prevent Mold Growth

Found this from University of Nebraska, go down to wet carpet.

http://lancaster.unl.edu/Feature/stormresources.htm

**HandSanitizer** · 06-13-2008, 01:25 PM

I always thought you should throw away the carpet.....But I just put $4500 worth in 6 months ago and I don't like that idea very much.

**wartknight** · 06-13-2008, 01:27 PM

The other night on the news was a guy who seals up houses from water entering. Does anyone remember that guy's name or his company. He had something that he put in the walls.

**1100011CS** · 06-13-2008, 01:45 PM

Originally Posted by HandSanitizer

I always thought you should throw away the carpet.....But I just put $4500 worth in 6 months ago and I don't like that idea very much.

If it's contaminated flood water you're supposed to throw away anything it comes in contact with. Mine is just a result of rain water so I *think* it's safe. Assuming I don't get any mold.

**1100011CS** · 06-13-2008, 01:46 PM

Originally Posted by wartknight

The other night on the news was a guy who seals up houses from water entering. Does anyone remember that guy's name or his company. He had something that he put in the walls.

Are you talking about the older guy that put in what looks like gutters around the foundation?

**CYKXBUT** · 06-13-2008, 01:56 PM

Originally Posted by 1100011CS

If it's contaminated flood water you're supposed to throw away anything it comes in contact with. Mine is just a result of rain water so I *think* it's safe. Assuming I don't get any mold.

We were able to reuse the carpeting. but you must be sure it is dry before putting it down again. We replaced the padding though. We couldn't be sure it was totally dry.

**wartknight** · 06-13-2008, 01:57 PM

Originally Posted by 1100011CS

Are you talking about the older guy that put in what looks like gutters around the foundation?

That's the guy.

**1100011CS** · 06-13-2008, 02:17 PM

Originally Posted by wartknight

That's the guy.

I can't remember the name either but I thought they said there was more info on their website.

**clones26** · 06-13-2008, 03:45 PM

there is this stuff at Sam's Club called Odo Ban that we used with my uncles business that fights mold and it smells like Eucalyptus...it seemed to work very well and even works on mold after it had already formed. We mixed it with water because it comes in a concentrated bottle...but is pretty cheap so it cant hurt.

**Omaha Cy** · 06-13-2008, 06:02 PM

Originally Posted by 1100011CS

Are you talking about the older guy that put in what looks like gutters around the foundation?

on the inside?

we used to have a complex i worked at that had a system in the basement along the walls. IIRC it was called the beaver damn system. channeled water coming in thru the walls around the outside of the room and into a sump pump hole. i guess it was alright as long as the caulk or whatever jold it down and sealed to the ground.

**ripvdub** · 06-13-2008, 06:12 PM

Originally Posted by FD Cyclone

on the inside?

we used to have a complex i worked at that had a system in the basement along the walls. IIRC it was called the beaver damn system. channeled water coming in thru the walls around the outside of the room and into a sump pump hole. i guess it was alright as long as the caulk or whatever jold it down and sealed to the ground.

A buddy of mine has always had problems with water in his basement. He was looking into this type of solution. But he is deciding to sell his house in the next year and is gonna have a professional waterproof it and include a warranty.

The idea of it sounds good, but you put holes in the wall to allow the water to run through it. You gotta think that sooner or later it will destroy the wall or it will allow too much water through.

**Omaha Cy** · 06-13-2008, 06:24 PM

on occasion it wouldnt hold the water for whatever reason. seemed like the other maintenance guy was over there when they had problems, so i never saw that part of it 1st hand.

its costly as all get out, but they have those square foot sections of plywood with something like plastic feet underneath. you assemble the floor in tounge/groove style and the whole things sets a good inch or 2 off the basement floor. from there u can carpet with great confidence.

**Cyclonepride** · 06-14-2008, 07:06 AM

Originally Posted by 1100011CS

So, the water in my basement is receding and my carpet hanging outside is finally starting to dry. I was told there is something I should spray on my carpet after putting it back down to eliminate mold issues. Anyone know what that is? And do I spray it before putting the carpet back or after?

I don't know how you could ever guarantee that the contaminants were completely out of it, and I doubt it will ever smell the same. Not to mention the fact that water immersion breaks down the bond between the backing and the carpet fiber, and it stands a great chance of delaminating in the future. I would toss it.