Leaking and Flooded Cars
We have cleaned many types of vehicles that have been in rivers, fjords, sewage floods or just flooded due to leaking windscreens, or incorrectly fitted or perished seals. We have even cleaned a vehicle that has been immersed in sea water, even though most insurance companies write these off.
To effectively clean, dry and disinfect the vehicle, the interior carpets need to be removed and cleaned. Underneath the carpets, are two types of soundproofing, a matted material shown on the left of this picture, and a thick compact foam that holds an immense amount of water on the right. With any wet matted material we will replace it with new. With the thick compact foam (for some cars 6 inches thick), it’s impossible to dry. When you think it’s dry to the touch, try pushing your fingers deep inside and it still will be damp and a breeding ground for mould. We have to cut this away and rebuild it up.
Matted material
Compact Foam
For us to carry out this operation we would need your car for a minimum of 48 hours. The carpets, soundproofing and all interior paint work would be cleaned with a Bio Enzyme treatment to kill off any bacteria that has formed in the stagnant water. All the mould will be treated and any smells removed. An interior valet will be carried out. We will return the car to you clean, dry and fresh smelling, ready for use.
When Southsea flooded with sewage from the drains 25 years ago, we successfully cleaned 30 cars over a period of one month.
Leak Detection
Many cars leak. Maybe you have noticed your windscreen will be wet in the morning, perhaps a stale smell, wet carpets and/or boot. You are unlikely to see water leaking in as it will be behind plastic panels in the doors, boot, or behind the dashboard.
Once we know there is a leak, we will remove the interior and then start spraying the car with water. We will video the leak and suggest what will solve it. If we can’t repair it, we will advise who can.
What's Involved
Extreme Flooding January 2014
This car was brought to us on the back of a breakdown truck after being pulled from river flood water. The water had reached just below the headlining.
The vehicle absolutely stunk. First operation disconnect the battery. We wanted no power going to the electrics and then sent about removing the Interior.
It’s amazing how much interior has to be removed including all door panels and soundproofing. These all had to be cleaned and disinfected for bacteria and viruses. The matted soundproofing had to be replaced with new, but the carpets were saved.
The car was thoroughly cleaned on the Interior.
Then a large fan was put inside the car with a dehumidifier and the car was left to dry for 2 days. Once drying was complete the spark plugs were removed the vehicle ignition turned over, this cleared water from the engine. The spark plugs refitted and the car started 1st time. Next operation ( but not done by us Drain the fuel tank as this was contaminated and replace various filters.
Result
