Essential Flood Restoration Equipment and Tools: A Comprehensive Guide

Flood restoration companies in Austin area often refer to their professional restoration equipment, however, few of them go into what kinds of tools they use to restore your property. Some might want to avoid prompting DIY attempts, while others might want to keep their tools a secret.

Still, you deserve to know what professionals use to help refresh and rebuild your property. When you call for flood damage restoration services in Austin, TX, ask whether they use some of the following tools.

Flood Extractors

Any list of crucial tools for indoor water removal will include a flood extractor. It works like a powerful vacuum that can suck up standing water and store it inside its waste tank. 

Many water extraction tools carry 10 to 14 gallons of contaminated indoor water. Some versions can remove as much as 50 gallons of water a minute, filling their tanks in moments.

The best flood extractors come with both vacuum and pump capabilities. After collecting a substantial amount of water, the contractors use a hose to pump the water into a storm drain. 

They can then use the vacuum function again. Certain models allow them to vacuum and dump water at the same time.

LGR Dehumidifiers

Excessive humidity can wreak havoc on a post-flood home, causing mold development or structural damage. A commercial low-grain refrigerant (LGR) dehumidifier can quickly reduce the amount of water in the air.

An LGR dehumidifier works by pre-cooling intake air and quickly condensing the water to store it. The unit blows out breathable, dry air that helps circulate more humid flow toward the machine. LGRs can work in a broader temperature range than other dehumidifiers and tend to be more energy efficient.

They can start the drying process or finish that section of the flood restoration job after using a conventional dehumidifier. Some LGRs come with data tracking tools, moisture measures, and other new technology.

Air Movers

Centrifugal air movers sometimes look like floor fans with a spout attached. However, these use a much more concentrated airflow to dry materials in concealed spaces.

The “whistle” or “shell opening” allows air to flow directly on or into the flooring, helping water evaporate in tight areas. Wet spots can form behind cabinets or within the drywall, so this tool allows workers to reach and dry those spaces. Air movers work well in conjunction with LGR dehumidifiers since the mover displaces the moisture while the dehumidifier stores it.

Axial air blowers also look like fans since they lack the spout. However, the blades are more concise and run on a heavy-duty motor. Technicians use them to dry open areas, like wood or stone floors and wall faces.

Moisture Detectors

One of the first steps for water damage repair involves identifying hidden water damage.Because water can seep into hidden spots, contractors should always use moisture detectors. These tools pinpoint excess humidity and water damage in floors, drywall, and other indoor areas.

The flood restoration process often works by confronting the worst of the damage before easing into the rest. Thus, professionals often use moisture detectors for the initial inspection to locate problematic areas. From there, they tackle the most damaged areas by directing other tools to focus on those spots.

Once finished, they should recheck their work with a detector to ensure the moisture is gone. While detectors come in many forms, their overall function remains the same, making them an indispensable part of the water remediation process.

Air Purifiers

Flood water, whether from a natural disaster or an internal plumbing issue, contains contaminants you wouldn’t want to inhale for any prolonged period. Purifiers, or air scrubbers, can help remove the harmful airborne elements the polluted water leaves behind. 

While not the most exciting in this list of post-flood damage materials, these tools increase future building prospects. Air purifiers make the building safer to live and work in, removing airborne dust, mold spores, and other allergens.

Self-propelled Dump Containers

Debris can be exceedingly heavy or dangerous, especially after a flood. For efficient solid debris removal, many professionals use self-propelled dump containers. Workers also use them to move heavy tools, like dehumidifiers or flood extractors, between floors.

The tool works similarly to a wheelbarrow with modern upgrades. It typically rolls on four or more wheels and can carry exceedingly heavy or numerous items, reducing the pressure on the worker’s body. Some even have an elevation tool allowing them to rise so contractors can safely drop waste from the roof.

Remember to ask your favorite flood restoration company whether they have and use any of the above tools to make the job easier. The Texas Certified Restoration team uses only the latest industry-leading tools while having the experience to do so effectively. They can quickly mitigate indoor flooding to your satisfaction.

Call Texas Certified Restoration at (254) 312-2692 for a free quote on your services today.