Water Damage Restoration Equipment Australia 2026: Dehumidifiers, Air

After floods, leaks or burst pipes, the right water damage restoration equipment speeds drying, limits mould and helps protect property and contents. This guide covers the essentials—dehumidifiers (including LGR and commercial units), air movers, air scrubbers, ducting and moisture tools—how to size a kit, and where to buy ASA/SAA-compliant gear in Australia from Thorair.

Why the Right Restoration Equipment Matters

Faster drying

High-capacity dehumidifiers and air movers remove moisture from air and surfaces quickly. The sooner you dry structure and contents, the less chance of warping, corrosion and mould.

Mould prevention

Mould can begin within 24–48 hours in damp conditions. Proper dehumidification and airflow help bring humidity down before mould establishes, supporting a clean, lasting result.

Structure and asset protection

Wet timber, plasterboard, insulation and furnishings degrade fast. Professional-grade equipment supports thorough drying so you can minimise replacement and meet insurer expectations.

Compliance and claims

Insurance and restoration standards often expect documented drying with suitable equipment. Using fit-for-purpose, compliant gear helps support reports and claims.

Essential Water Damage Restoration Equipment

Dehumidifiers (LGR and commercial)

Dehumidifiers are central to restoration: they pull moisture from the air so wet materials can release water and dry. LGR (low-grain refrigerant) and commercial units perform well in cool, damp conditions typical after floods and in basements. Capacities of 50L–90L/day are common for restoration; smaller jobs may use 20–50L/day.

LGR and commercial units for cooler, wet environments
50–90L/day for most restoration and large domestic jobs
ASA/SAA approved for safe use in Australia
Often used with drain hoses for continuous operation

Air movers and blowers

Air movers (blowers) increase airflow over wet surfaces so moisture evaporates faster and is then removed by dehumidifiers. They’re used to break boundary layers, cross-ventilate rooms and dry under flooring, behind walls and in cavities. Multiple units are typical on larger jobs.

Direct airflow onto walls, floors and hidden cavities
Used in combination with dehumidifiers for system drying
Various sizes for domestic, commercial and industrial jobs
Speed up evaporation and shorten dry times

Air scrubbers and HEPA filtration

Air scrubbers with HEPA filters clean the air of fine particles, mould spores, dust and odours during and after remediation. They help contain contamination, improve air quality and meet higher standards when mould, sewage or fire are involved.

HEPA filtration for spores, dust and odours
Containment and negative pressure where required
Use during demolition, mould work and post-fire cleaning
Available as portable and larger commercial units

Ducting, filters and accessories

Ducting connects dehumidifiers and air scrubbers to target areas, underfloor vents or containment zones. Replacement HEPA and carbon filters, duct tape, clamps and moisture detection tools (including thermal imaging) round out a restoration kit.

Flexible ducting for directing dry or filtered air
Filters for scrubbers and dehumidifiers
Thermal imaging and moisture meters to find and monitor wet areas
Consumables: tape, clamps, plastic for containment

Sizing Your Restoration Equipment

Job size, water volume, temperature and construction determine how much equipment you need. The following are general guidelines; severe flooding or commercial buildings often need commercial dehumidifiers, multiple air movers and air scrubbers.

Small / domesticSingle room, localised leak

1–2 dehumidifiers (e.g. 20–50L/day), 1–2 air movers. Suitable for a burst pipe in one room, small ceiling leak or localised flood. Add an air scrubber if mould is present or suspected.

Medium / restorationMultiple rooms, significant water

2–4 dehumidifiers (50–70L/day or LGR), 3–6 air movers, 1–2 air scrubbers, ducting and filters. For whole-house water damage, basement floods or larger storms. LGR units help in cooler, damp conditions.

Large / commercialWhole buildings, strata, industrial

Multiple commercial dehumidifiers (70–90L/day or more), many air movers, several air scrubbers, full ducting, thermal imaging and moisture meters. For large commercial, strata or industrial restoration and mould remediation.

Benefits of Professional-Grade Restoration Equipment

Shorter dry times

Matched dehumidifier capacity and airflow cut dry times, reduce disruption and help get occupants back sooner.

Lower mould risk

Rapid moisture removal and controlled humidity limit the window for mould growth and support remediation where it’s already present.

Less replacement

Thorough drying can save timber, flooring, joinery and contents that would otherwise be written off, which can offset equipment and labour cost.

Documented, insurable results

Proper equipment and procedures support moisture logs, drying reports and insurance requirements for domestic and commercial jobs.

Where Restoration Equipment Is Used

Flood and storm

River, storm and flash flooding often affect structure, subfloors and contents. High-capacity dehumidifiers, air movers and sometimes air scrubbers are used for system drying and odour control.

Burst pipes and leaks

Plumbing failures can wet walls, ceilings and flooring. Dehumidifiers and air movers dry affected zones; air scrubbers help when cavities are opened or mould is present.

Basements and subfloors

Cool, enclosed spaces need strong dehumidification (LGR or commercial) and directed airflow. Ducting is often used to deliver dry air into underfloor and wall cavities.

Commercial and strata

Office, retail and strata buildings need scalable equipment: multiple dehumidifiers, air movers and scrubbers, plus ducting and monitoring for larger areas and multi-unit claims.

Tips for Using Water Damage Restoration Equipment

Start as soon as it’s safe

Begin extraction and drying as soon as it’s safe to do so. Delays increase absorption, mould risk and dry time. Have a plan for dehumidifiers, air movers and power before you need them.

Match capacity to the job

Under-sizing slows drying and raises mould risk. Use sufficient dehumidifier capacity (L/day) and enough air movers to get airflow across all wet surfaces and into cavities.

Use HEPA when contamination is possible

If mould, sewage, or fire residue is present, use air scrubbers with HEPA (and carbon if needed) for containment and cleaner air during and after work.

Monitor and document

Use moisture meters and thermal imaging to find wet areas and confirm drying. Log humidity, equipment run hours and readings for insurance and quality assurance.

Australian Standards and Compliance

Electrical equipment used in Australian buildings must meet local standards. Thorair’s dehumidifiers and water damage restoration equipment include ASA/SAA-approved units suitable for domestic and commercial use.

Choose dehumidifiers and electrical gear with ASA or SAA certification for safe, compliant operation.
Commercial and restoration work may need to meet additional workplace and contractor requirements.
Proper equipment choice and use can support insurance and restoration industry expectations.

Water Damage Restoration Equipment: FAQs

What equipment do I need for water damage restoration?

Core items: dehumidifiers (often LGR or commercial, 50–90L/day for bigger jobs), air movers, and ducting. Add air scrubbers with HEPA when mould, sewage or fire is involved. Moisture meters and thermal imaging help find and monitor wet areas. Size and number depend on affected area, water volume and construction.

Why use LGR dehumidifiers for restoration?

LGR (low-grain refrigerant) dehumidifiers remove more moisture in cool, damp conditions—common after floods and in basements. They can outperform standard refrigerant units when temperatures are low, which helps speed drying and reduce mould risk. For warmer jobs, a well-sized standard or LGR unit can both work.

When do I need an air scrubber for water damage?

Use an air scrubber when there is or could be mould, sewage, soot or fine dust. HEPA filtration captures spores and particles, improves air quality and supports containment. For clean Category 1 water in a single room, dehumidifiers and air movers may be enough; for Category 2/3 or mould, include air scrubbers.

Where can I buy water damage restoration equipment in Australia?

Thorair supplies dehumidifiers (including LGR and commercial), air scrubbers, blowers, filters, ducting and related water damage restoration equipment. Browse our dehumidifiers or contact 1300 263 551 or info@thorair.com.au. Free delivery on orders over $2,000.

Water Damage Restoration Equipment at Thorair

Dehumidifiers, air movers, air scrubbers, ducting and accessories for domestic and commercial restoration. View our dehumidifiers and water damage restoration solutions, or call 1300 263 551 or email info@thorair.com.au. Free delivery on orders over $2,000.

Water Damage Restoration