Water Damage in Australia and Recommended Restoration Equipment

Overview of Water Damage Concerns in Australia

Water damage is a significant issue in Australia, especially due to the country's exposure to extreme weather events such as floods, heavy rainfall, cyclones, and bushfire-related runoff.

Common Causes of Water Damage in Australia

Flooding – Major floods, like those in Queensland (2011, 2022) and New South Wales, often cause extensive property and infrastructure damage.

Storms and Heavy Rainfall – Sudden downpours overwhelm drainage systems and cause internal water ingress.

Plumbing Failures – Burst pipes, leaking roofs, and faulty appliances are frequent in urban areas.

Rising Damp – Common in older homes, especially in humid or coastal areas.

Poor Construction – Inadequate waterproofing in bathrooms, balconies, and basements.

Impacts of Water Damage

Structural Issues – Weakened foundations, warped flooring, and rotting timber.

Mould Growth – Health risks, especially for people with respiratory issues.

Insurance Complications – Some insurers may deny coverage due to lack of maintenance or insufficient flood coverage.

Decreased Property Value – Unrepaired damage or past incidents can deter buyers.

Recent Trends of Flood

Increased focus on flood resilience design in construction codes.

Government initiatives offering grants for flood mitigation in high-risk areas.

Rising demand for mould remediation and water damage restoration services.

 

Recommended Restoration Equipment Commonly Used in Australia

Restoring water damage effectively requires specialised equipment to remove water, dry structures, dehumidify the air, and prevent mould growth.

1. Water Extraction Equipment

Recommended Tools:

Wet/Dry Vacuum – For small to medium water intrusion (e.g., Karcher WD 6, DeWALT DXV).

Submersible Pumps – For deep standing water (e.g., Ozito or Davey submersible pump).

Truck-Mounted or Portable Extractors – Used by pros for large-scale jobs (e.g., Sapphire Scientific, Mytee).

2. Air Mover Blowers

Purpose:

Rigid air movers can speed up the evaporation of moisture from walls, floors, and furniture.

Recommended Models:

Preair PA-LO-U1000 – Compact and stackable.

Preair PA-LO-A1500 – Budget-friendly and effective.

Preair AM20– Lightweight with adjustable angles.

3. Restoration Dehumidifiers

Purpose:

A restoration dehumidifier removes moisture from the air to prevent mould and speed up drying.

Recommended Types:

Refrigerant Dehumidifiers (good for warm, humid environments):

Preair ALGR65 (65l/day, for Australia)

Preair ALGR90 (90l/day, for Australia)

Preair ALGR110 (110l/day, for Australia)

Preair ALGR130L (130l/day, for Australia)

Preair provides the commercial dehumidifier Australia. Contact us if you want to purchase bulk dehumidifiers.

4. Mould and Odour Control

HEPA Air Scrubbers – Remove mould spores and particles (e.g., Preair AF500, AF650).

Ozone Machines – Eliminate odours post-restoration (use with caution).

Antimicrobial Sprays – e.g., Concrobium, Benefect, or Moldex.

5. Monitoring Equipment

Moisture Meters – Check progress (e.g., Protimeter Surveymaster, Tramex).

Thermal Imaging Cameras – Detect hidden moisture behind walls (e.g., FLIR One Pro, FLIR E6-XT).

6. Safety Equipment

N95 or P100 respirators

Waterproof gloves and boots

Safety goggles

Coveralls (if dealing with mould or sewage)