Equipment for Water Damage Restoration

 Water damage can affect flooring, drywall, insulation, structural framing, furniture, and indoor air quality. Whether the cause is a burst pipe, roof leak, appliance failure, or flooding, effective restoration requires more than removing standing water. Restoration professionals must extract water, accelerate evaporation, control humidity, monitor moisture levels, and address airborne contaminants when necessary.

Choosing the right equipment for water damage restoration helps contractors develop an effective drying plan, improve job-site efficiency, and reduce the risk of recurring moisture problems.

A professional water damage restoration setup commonly includes LGR dehumidifiers, high-performance air movers, air scrubbers, water extraction equipment, and moisture measurement tools. Each machine serves a different purpose, and the best results come from using them as an integrated system.

In this guide, we explain the essential equipment for water damage restoration and introduce PREAIR's LGR85, LGR105, and LGR155 dehumidifiers, PA-LO-U-1000 air mover, and AF650 air scrubber as options for professional restoration applications.

1. What Equipment Is Needed for Water Damage Restoration?

Professional water damage restoration typically involves five equipment categories.

Equipment	Primary Function	Typical Application
Water extractor or pump	Removes standing water	Flooded rooms, wet carpets, and water accumulation
LGR dehumidifier	Removes moisture from indoor air	Structural drying after leaks or flooding
Air mover	Accelerates evaporation from wet surfaces	Wet floors, walls, and building materials
Air scrubber	Filters airborne particles from circulating or exhausted air	Restoration work involving airborne dust or other particles
Moisture meter and environmental monitor	Measures material moisture and drying conditions	Initial inspection and drying verification

Thermal imaging cameras, hygrometers, air filtration devices, containment barriers, and specialized drying systems may also be required depending on the building and the severity of the water loss.

The key principle is that restoration equipment works together. Extractors remove liquid water, air movers increase evaporation, dehumidifiers remove the resulting water vapor, and moisture meters help determine whether materials are actually drying. Air scrubbers provide a separate air-filtration function when the job requires it.

2. LGR Dehumidifiers: Essential Equipment for Structural Drying

An LGR (Low Grain Refrigerant) dehumidifier is designed to remove moisture efficiently as the drying environment becomes progressively less humid. This makes LGR technology particularly useful for professional water damage restoration.

After standing water has been extracted, moisture remains inside porous materials such as wood, drywall, carpet backing, and concrete. As this moisture evaporates, it increases the humidity of the surrounding air. An LGR dehumidifier removes some of that airborne moisture, helping maintain conditions that support continued evaporation.

Why Choose an LGR Dehumidifier?

Effective moisture removal: LGR technology is designed to maintain useful moisture-removal performance as indoor humidity decreases.

Support for structural drying: It helps control the indoor drying environment while moisture leaves affected building materials.

Continuous operation: Professional units with appropriate drainage systems can operate over extended drying periods without requiring frequent manual emptying.

Flexible restoration applications: Depending on their capacity and operating range, LGR dehumidifiers can be used in residential water losses, basements, commercial buildings, and other restoration environments.

When comparing LGR dehumidifiers, contractors should evaluate rated capacity under standardized test conditions, airflow, operating temperature, drainage, portability, power requirements, and serviceability. A manufacturer's maximum saturation rating should not be confused with its AHAM-rated capacity.

Recommended PREAIR LGR Dehumidifiers

PREAIR offers several LGR models for professional water damage restoration. The LGR85, LGR105, and LGR155 provide options for different project requirements.

PREAIR LGR85: For Small to Medium Restoration Projects

The PREAIR LGR85 is an option to consider for localized water damage and residential restoration work when its rated capacity matches the moisture load.

Potential applications include:

Water damage in individual rooms

Basement moisture recovery

Localized plumbing leaks

Residential flooring and wall drying

Small restoration projects requiring portable equipment

Its suitability depends on the affected materials, water load, ambient conditions, and the rest of the drying system.

PREAIR LGR105: For Medium-Sized Restoration Projects

The PREAIR LGR105 is worth considering when a restoration project requires a different balance of moisture-removal capacity, portability, and drying performance.

Potential applications include:

Multi-room residential water damage

Larger basement drying projects

Water intrusion affecting multiple building materials

Commercial spaces with moderate moisture loads

Restoration contractors should compare the LGR105's rated capacity and airflow with the LGR85 to determine whether the additional capacity is justified for their typical jobs.

PREAIR LGR155: For Higher Moisture Loads

The PREAIR LGR155 is an option for restoration projects that require greater moisture-removal capacity, subject to its published performance specifications and the actual site conditions.

Potential applications include:

Larger residential water losses

Multi-room structural drying

Commercial water damage restoration

Projects involving substantial moisture stored in building materials

A higher-capacity machine may help contractors manage larger moisture loads, but it does not automatically guarantee faster drying. Equipment placement, airflow, temperature, extraction quality, and ongoing moisture measurements remain important.

LGR85 vs. LGR105 vs. LGR155

Selection Factor	LGR85	LGR105	LGR155
General selection role	Lower-capacity option	Intermediate option	Higher-capacity option
Potential job type	Localized or smaller losses	Medium or multi-room losses	Larger or higher-moisture-load projects
Key consideration	Portability and adequate capacity	Balance of capacity and coverage	Capacity, electrical demand, and site conditions

This is a preliminary selection framework, not a substitute for comparing current model specifications. Confirm the rated moisture-removal capacity, airflow, operating range, and power requirements of each PREAIR model before selecting equipment for a specific project.

3. Air Movers: Accelerating Evaporation from Wet Materials

An air mover is a high-velocity fan designed to direct airflow across wet surfaces. It helps remove the thin layer of humid air that can accumulate near a damp surface, encouraging additional moisture to evaporate.

However, an air mover does not remove water vapor from the building. Without sufficient dehumidification or suitable ventilation, the moisture released into the air may simply increase indoor humidity.

Why Air Movers Matter

Air movers help:

Accelerate evaporation from wet flooring and exposed building materials

Improve airflow around damp walls and structural surfaces

Reduce stagnant air pockets

Support a coordinated structural drying plan

The number and placement of air movers depend on the affected area, material type, obstructions, and measured drying conditions. Technicians should adjust the setup as the drying process progresses rather than relying on a fixed equipment count for every project.

PREAIR PA-LO-U-1000 Air Mover

The PREAIR PA-LO-U-1000 air mover is a product option for restoration contractors who need dedicated airflow equipment to support structural drying.

It can be considered for applications such as:

Carpet and hard-floor drying

Air circulation along wet walls

Residential restoration jobs

Commercial drying projects where directed airflow is needed

When evaluating the PA-LO-U-1000, verify the manufacturer's published airflow rating, power consumption, operating positions, dimensions, and electrical requirements.

For effective drying, position air movers to create useful airflow across affected surfaces without causing damage or unnecessarily spreading dust and debris. Where contamination is a concern, appropriate cleaning, containment, and air filtration should be considered before starting high-velocity air movement.

4. Air Scrubbers: Managing Airborne Particles During Restoration

Water damage restoration can involve more than excess moisture. Demolition, removal of damaged materials, cleaning, and other site activities may release airborne particles.

An air scrubber is designed to draw air through filtration media and return filtered air to the work area or exhaust it through a suitable duct arrangement, depending on the equipment and setup.

What Does an Air Scrubber Do?

A properly configured air scrubber can help:

Filter airborne dust and other particles

Support air-quality management during restoration

Complement containment procedures where required

Reduce the spread of particles when used as part of an appropriate filtration strategy

An air scrubber is not a substitute for moisture removal. It also does not automatically create negative pressure; that requires a suitable containment arrangement and airflow setup.

Filter type matters. HEPA filtration may be appropriate for certain airborne particle-control applications, but contractors should confirm the installed filter specification and the equipment's rated performance.

PREAIR AF650 HEPA Air Scrubber

The PREAIR AF650 air scrubber is an option to evaluate for restoration projects that require airborne particle filtration alongside structural drying.

Potential applications include:

Restoration work involving dust from damaged materials

Renovation and cleanup activities

Selected water damage projects requiring additional air filtration

Work areas where filtration forms part of a broader containment plan

Before deployment, verify the AF650's airflow, filter configuration, filtration efficiency, and suitability for the contaminants involved.

Important: An air scrubber should not be described as a mold-removal device. If a project involves mold contamination, contractors must identify and correct the moisture source and follow appropriate remediation and containment procedures.

5. How to Combine LGR Dehumidifiers, Air Movers, and Air Scrubbers

The most effective restoration setup assigns each machine a clear role.

LGR dehumidifier: Removes water vapor from the air.

Air mover: Accelerates evaporation from wet materials.

Air scrubber: Filters airborne particles when required.

Water extractor: Removes recoverable liquid water.

Moisture meter: Measures whether affected materials are drying.

Example Equipment Combinations

Restoration Scenario	Equipment to Consider	Main Objective
Localized residential leak	LGR85 + air mover + moisture meter	Dry affected materials and monitor progress
Multi-room water damage	LGR105 + appropriately placed air movers + moisture monitoring	Manage a larger drying area
Higher-moisture-load project	LGR155 + multiple air movers + moisture monitoring	Provide greater moisture-removal capacity
Restoration with airborne dust concerns	Suitable LGR model + air movers + AF650, if appropriate	Combine drying with particle filtration

These are illustrative equipment combinations, not fixed sizing rules. The appropriate setup depends on the water category, damage class, affected materials, site conditions, and the contractor's drying plan. Air filtration may be necessary in some situations and unnecessary in others.

The equipment should be positioned and operated according to manufacturer instructions and applicable restoration practices.

6. How to Choose the Right Water Damage Restoration Equipment

Selecting equipment based on price or maximum capacity alone can lead to an inefficient setup. Consider the following factors before purchasing or deploying restoration equipment.

Evaluate the Extent of Water Damage

Identify the affected rooms, building materials, water source, and extent of moisture penetration. A small surface spill requires a different approach from a flooded basement with wet insulation and structural framing.

Contaminated water, sewage, suspected structural hazards, and extensive hidden moisture require appropriate professional assessment and protective measures.

Compare Dehumidifier Performance Under Standardized Conditions

When comparing LGR models, review capacity at AHAM conditions where available, along with airflow and operating limits. Saturation ratings may be substantially higher and should not be used as if they represented the same operating conditions.

Consider Portability and Job-Site Requirements

Restoration equipment may need to be moved frequently between properties, floors, and rooms. Weight, handles, wheels, dimensions, and access to maintenance components can affect day-to-day productivity.

Check Drainage and Continuous Operation

Extended drying jobs often require continuous drainage. Confirm whether a unit uses gravity drainage or a condensate pump, and verify hose routing, drain elevation, and installation requirements.

Plan Electrical Loads

LGR dehumidifiers, air movers, and air scrubbers all consume electricity. Check voltage, frequency, current draw, circuit capacity, and manufacturer instructions before operating multiple machines on the same electrical supply.

Monitor Drying Instead of Guessing

A room that feels dry may still contain moisture inside walls, subfloors, or framing. Use appropriate moisture meters and environmental measurements to document drying progress and help determine when the drying goal has been reached.

7. Common Mistakes When Using Water Damage Restoration Equipment

Relying on fans alone. Air movers accelerate evaporation, but they do not remove the water vapor generated during drying. Dehumidification or suitable ventilation is also needed.

Choosing equipment by square footage alone. The amount of water absorbed by the building materials and the site's drying conditions can be more important than floor area.

Using an air scrubber instead of a dehumidifier. Air filtration and moisture removal solve different problems. An air scrubber does not replace an LGR dehumidifier.

Ignoring hidden moisture. Water may remain behind baseboards, beneath flooring, or inside wall cavities even after visible surfaces appear dry.

Failing to investigate contamination. The category of water, microbial growth, and demolition-related particles can affect the required safety measures and equipment setup.

Ending drying based only on elapsed time. Drying completion should be based on documented material moisture levels and appropriate comparison or target criteria, not an assumed number of days.

8. Why Consider PREAIR Restoration Equipment?

For restoration contractors, equipment selection should support a repeatable workflow from initial water extraction through structural drying and final verification.

PREAIR's restoration equipment lineup includes the LGR85, LGR105, and LGR155 dehumidifiers, the PA-LO-U-1000 air mover, and the AF650 air scrubber. These product categories address complementary parts of a restoration project: moisture removal, airflow, and airborne particle filtration.

When evaluating PREAIR equipment, compare model specifications with your typical project size, moisture load, transportation requirements, electrical supply, and filtration needs. Confirm the current product data and configuration before purchase.

A well-planned equipment fleet can help restoration businesses prepare for different job types without relying on a single machine to perform every task.