If your wall-to-wall carpeting is not properly installed, you may find that the seams between sections of carpet will start coming apart (a problem that occurs when the seams are not glued down properly or the seam is located in a high traffic area). It's a good idea to glue seams down again as quickly as possible so that they do not fray.

Carpet suppliers and some hardware stores sell seam adhesive. Gently pull away as much loose seam as possible. Apply seam adhesive to the backing of one edge of the carpet, between the pile and the pad. Do not get the fluid on the pile--it can damage or stain it. Tug gently on the carpet and pull it as far toward the other edge as possible. Repeat for the other side. Smooth out bubbles and bulges by pressing outward from the seam with your hands.

For tears in wall-to-wall carpeting or if the split seam is extreme, contact a professional carpet installer because the tension of the carpet must be released, a job that requires a few special carpet installation tools and experience in working with carpeting.