1. Photos, initial information and a preliminary estimate
If you can do so safely, send clear photos showing the affected room and wet areas from a safe location. A short video taken from a safe location can also help show where the water has travelled. Include your suburb, approximate affected area, when the incident occurred and whether water is still entering.
This helps us discuss availability and provide an initial estimate where possible. Photos cannot show every wet layer or confirm the full condition of a carpet, so the final scope and pricing depend on the site inspection.
2. On-site inspection and agreement on the work
We inspect the affected area, take appropriate moisture readings and discuss the proposed approach. If lifting carpet or accessing the underlay is necessary, we explain why.
The scope should distinguish the initial extraction from any equipment placement, return visits, cleaning, treatments and underlay work. If the inspection reveals more extensive damage, we explain how that changes the plan.
3. Extracting recoverable water
We use extraction equipment to remove as much accessible water as practical from suitable carpet and rug materials. Removing recoverable liquid reduces the amount left for the drying stage to address.
We can also assess standing-water extraction from tiled areas, including water lying across tiles and grout lines. Removing surface water does not establish whether moisture has travelled beneath the flooring or into adjoining materials; those concerns are assessed separately.
4. Accessing the underlay and floor beneath
Where the installation and condition allow, sections of carpet may need to be lifted so we can inspect the backing, assess the underlay and access trapped water beneath it.
We explain whether the underlay can remain, needs further attention or should be replaced. Where appropriate, our work can include localised underlay repairs or replacement of affected sections. This decision considers contamination, material condition and the practical recovery plan.
Accessible subfloor moisture also needs attention. Removing water from the floor beneath a carpet is different from repairing a damaged building structure. If the floor itself needs specialist drying, investigation or repairs beyond our scope, we identify that requirement.
5. Setting up an appropriate drying approach
After the contamination assessment and any necessary preparation, air movers can be positioned to support drying. Depending on the installation, this may involve airflow across the affected surface or beneath suitably lifted carpet.
Equipment placement is selected for the job. Air should reach the areas that need drying without unnecessarily disturbing damaged materials or spreading contamination.
Room humidity also affects drying. Air movers circulate air; they do not collect water vapour. If additional humidity control or dehumidification is required, this needs to be addressed in the agreed drying plan.
We explain the equipment arrangements, access requirements and instructions for the affected area while work is underway.
6. Checking drying progress, where agreed
We can provide follow-up monitoring as part of the agreed service. This includes return checks with moisture meters to assess progress in the relevant accessible areas.
These checks help determine whether drying is progressing, whether equipment placement needs adjustment and whether further work is necessary. The visit schedule and any associated costs are agreed for your job.
A carpet feeling dry on top is not the only consideration. The condition of the backing, underlay and accessible floor beneath it also matters. We discuss the findings with you so you understand the next step.
7. Cleaning and treating suitable remaining damage
Depending on the recovery plan, cleaning and targeted treatments may be needed for soiling, water marks, odours or mould-related concerns. The sequence is adapted to the condition and contamination rather than leaving necessary cleaning until the end of every job.
We choose treatments for the material and the type of damage. Water marks may improve with suitable treatment, but permanent dye changes, backing deterioration or other physical damage cannot always be reversed through cleaning.
Where mould is present, the response must address the affected material and the moisture problem. Applying a product alone is not a substitute for appropriate removal, cleaning and drying. Some porous materials require replacement; more extensive or hidden contamination may need specialist remediation.
8. Reviewing the outcome and next steps
At the end of the agreed work, we explain what has been completed, any remaining concerns and the next steps for the flooring.
Where a monitored drying service is agreed, the review includes the relevant moisture findings. An extraction-only visit is a different scope from a complete drying programme; we make that distinction clear when discussing your service.
Our commitment is to put the right work into giving your flooring its best chance of recovery, while keeping you informed about the result and any remaining damage.