Q Do you have a solution to my “snake in the
carpet”? It’s a small hump about 18 in. long.
I’ve had the carpet nine years, it’s in good shape,
and I had it restretched in another area a few
years ago.
Sam Kaplan, Enfield, CT
A The only solution is to stretch the carpet again.
Although some carpets never move or develop humps,
others may need to be stretched two or three times before
they lie completely flat. Certain brands develop humps more
than others. Ask a carpet pro if yours is one that typically
needs restretching.
Incorrect carpet installation (not stretching it properly)
or a worn-out backing can also be responsible for humps in
the carpet. High-traffic areas are particularly susceptible.
Shampooing carpets may also cause humps if you use too
much water.
To remove the “snake,” rent a power stretcher ($30 a day)
and a knee kicker ($15 a day) from a rental center and
stretch the carpet in at least three directions away from the
hump. Or hire a professional carpet installer ($125 minimum).
Stretching carpet is not as simple as it looks (it often
takes a pro a couple of hours), so consider having a pro
tackle this one.
