If I hire a dehumidifier will it dry my flooded house

Aug 30, 2025

If I Hire a Dehumidifier, Will It Dry My Flooded House?

When faced with a flooded home or business, many people ask the same question: “If I just hire a dehumidifier, will it dry my flooded property?”

The short answer is not always. While a dehumidifier is a helpful tool in the drying process, using only one (or even two) may not be enough—especially if a large area of your home or business has been saturated by floodwater.

In this article, we’ll explain why dehumidifiers alone are rarely sufficient, what else is required for complete drying, and why professional water damage restoration is the safest and most effective solution.

Why a Single Dehumidifier Isn’t Enough

Dehumidifiers work by pulling moisture from the air, reducing humidity levels, and helping surfaces dry faster. However, if a large section of your home is affected:

You’ll often need multiple dehumidifiers to handle the volume of moisture in the air.
Large spaces require strategically placed drying equipment to ensure that all areas—including hidden pockets of dampness—are properly treated.
If only one dehumidifier is used in a big space, it may run constantly but never achieve a completely dry environment.

Types of Dehumidifiers used in Water Damage Restoration

When drying out a flooded property, the type of dehumidifier used can make a big difference in how fast and effectively the area is restored. The three main types are Refrigerant Dehumidifiers, Low-Grain Refrigerant (LGR) Dehumidifiers, and Desiccant Dehumidifiers.

1. Refrigerant Dehumidifier

How it works: Works much like an air conditioner. Air passes over cooled coils, causing moisture in the air to condense into water droplets, which are collected and removed.
Best for: Warm, humid environments (like the Gold Coast).
Limitations: Less effective in cooler conditions (below ~18°C), as condensation is harder to achieve at low temperatures.
Typical use: General water damage drying in homes and offices where temperatures are moderate to warm.

2. LGR (Low-Grain Refrigerant) Dehumidifier

How it works: A more advanced version of the standard refrigerant dehumidifier. LGR units pre-cool the air before it passes over the cold coil, allowing them to remove much more moisture.
Best for: Large water damage jobs where extreme drying power is needed.
Advantages:
- Works effectively in a wider range of conditions than standard refrigerants.
- Can reduce humidity to much lower levels.
- More energy-efficient and faster at drying.
Typical use: Professional restoration projects—especially where carpets, underlays, and structural materials are saturated.

3. Desiccant Dehumidifier

How it works: Instead of cooling coils, desiccants use a moisture-absorbing material (silica gel or similar). Moist air passes over this material, which traps water molecules. The desiccant is then heated to release the moisture outside.
Best for:
- Very cold environments (below 10°C).
- Drying thick, dense building materials (like concrete, brick, or timber framing).
Advantages:
- Works in temperatures too cold for refrigerant systems.
- Can achieve extremely low humidity levels.
Limitations:
- Larger and more expensive to run.
- Not usually necessary for standard domestic water damage jobs in warmer climates.
Typical use: Commercial or industrial drying projects, or specialised situations where refrigerants won’t perform effectively.

Which Dehumidifier Is Best for Flood Damage?

Choosing the right dehumidifier for the job depends on many factors including, what types of materials need to be dried , how wet the property is , how long the property has been wet for , what are the weather conditions , what is the temperature inside the affected property.

This is where the expertise of a professional water damage restoration company can be so important.

Refrigerant dehumidifiers → Great for most household drying jobs in warm conditions.
LGR dehumidifiers → The industry standard for serious flood restoration, as they’re more powerful and efficient.
Desiccant dehumidifiers → Used in specialised or large-scale commercial projects, especially where materials are dense or temperatures are low.

✅ At Flood Fixers Gold Coast, we carry LGR dehumidifiers, air movers, and desiccant systems as part of our professional structural drying equipment. This means we can handle any type of water damage restoration across the Gold Coast, from a small carpet leak to full-scale commercial flooding.

The team at Flood Fixers will help you to recover from water damage disaster much faster and without the stress that typically goes with water damage situations.

The Role of Air Movers in Drying Flood Damage

Dehumidifiers alone can’t move enough air across wet carpets, walls, and flooring. That’s where air movers (high-powered fans) come in.

Air movers push air across surfaces, lifting moisture into the atmosphere where the dehumidifiers can then capture and remove it. This combination of air movers + dehumidifiers is the proven method used in professional water damage restoration.

Why Heat Drying May Also Be Needed

Floodwater often soaks deep into building materials like timber framing, concrete, and underlay. In these cases, heat-assisted drying can be used to speed up evaporation and reach areas where air flow alone isn’t effective.

Without this step, moisture can remain trapped inside walls, floors, and cavities—creating the perfect conditions for mould growth and long-term structural damage.

Water Extraction: The First and Most Critical Step

Before drying even begins, the bulk of the water must be physically extracted from the property. Industrial-grade water extraction equipment removes hundreds of litres of water in minutes—far more effective than household wet vacuums or DIY solutions.

Only once this step is completed should dehumidifiers, air movers, and heaters be deployed to finish the drying process.

Why Professional Water Damage Restoration is Best

If your property has suffered significant flooding, hiring just one or two dehumidifiers will rarely solve the problem. Professional restoration companies like Flood Fixers Gold Coast bring:

The right equipment – multiple commercial dehumidifiers, air movers, and heat drying systems.
Expert knowledge – understanding building materials, moisture behaviour, and proper drying techniques.
Moisture detection tools – to find hidden dampness behind walls, under floors, and in cavities.
Faster recovery – minimising damage, mould risk, and disruption to your home or business.

Insurance Coverage for Water Damage

The good news for homeowners and businesses is that most water damage restoration costs are covered under insurance, depending on the policy and cause of the flooding.

At Flood Fixers Gold Coast, we often work directly with insurance companies to bill them for our services. This reduces stress for our clients and speeds up the claims process.

Why Choose Flood Fixers Gold Coast?

At Flood Fixers Gold Coast, we specialise in emergency water extraction and structural drying across all suburbs of the Gold Coast.

✅ 24/7 emergency response
✅ Latest drying equipment, including commercial dehumidifiers, air movers, and heat-assisted systems
✅ Trained and certified water damage specialists
✅ Insurance billing available (in many cases, we can deal directly with your insurer)
✅ Local and trusted with decades of experience

❓ FAQs: How Dehumidifiers Work & Where They’re Used

1. How does a dehumidifier actually work?

A dehumidifier pulls in humid air, removes excess moisture, and then releases dry air back into the room. Depending on the type, it either uses cooled coils (refrigerant type) or a moisture-absorbing material (desiccant type) to capture water, which is then drained away.

2. Why are dehumidifiers important after flooding or water damage?

Dehumidifiers are essential because they reduce humidity levels and speed up the drying process. Without them, damp air lingers, which can lead to mould growth, musty odours, and damage to carpets, walls, and furniture.

3. Where are dehumidifiers typically used?

Dehumidifiers are used in a wide range of settings, including:

Homes and apartments – for drying out after leaks or damp conditions.
Commercial buildings – offices, retail stores, and warehouses after water damage.
Restoration projects – flood-affected properties where structural drying is required.
Specialty environments – libraries, gyms, or storage areas where moisture control is vital.

4. Can I just use a dehumidifier to dry out my flooded house?

Not always. A single dehumidifier is often not powerful enough to dry large flooded areas. Professional water damage restoration usually requires multiple dehumidifiers, high-powered air movers, and sometimes heat drying—along with initial water extraction.

5. What’s the difference between a home dehumidifier and a professional one?

Household dehumidifiers are designed for small spaces and mild humidity problems. Professional dehumidifiers, like those used by Flood Fixers Gold Coast, are much more powerful. They can handle severe water damage, work faster, and remove moisture from carpets, walls, and structural materials.

6. Do all dehumidifiers work in every climate?

No. Refrigerant dehumidifiers work best in warm, humid climates (like the Gold Coast), while desiccant dehumidifiers are more effective in cold environments. LGR dehumidifiers are used in professional restoration because they perform well across a wide range of conditions and remove more moisture than standard models.

✅ At Flood Fixers Gold Coast, we use commercial-grade LGR and desiccant dehumidifiers along with air movers heat drying systems and extraction equipment. This allows us to deliver 24/7 water damage restoration services across all Gold Coast suburbs, keeping homes and businesses safe and dry.

Professional Drying Equipment Hire – Flood Fixers Gold Coast

Not every water damage situation requires a full restoration team. Sometimes a small leak, minor overflow, or light damp issue can be managed by the property owner—provided they have the right equipment and guidance. That’s where Flood Fixers Gold Coast can help.

Hire Professional Drying Equipment for Minor Water Damage

If you’ve experienced minor water damage in your home or business, hiring professional drying equipment can be a cost-effective way to tackle the problem quickly before it worsens.

At Flood Fixers Gold Coast, we offer short-term and long-term equipment hire, giving you access to the same commercial-grade tools used by restoration professionals.

Expert Advice With Every Hire

When you hire from us, you don’t just get the equipment—you get our expert knowledge too. Our team can:

Assess your situation and recommend the exact equipment needed.
Provide step-by-step advice on how to use it effectively.
Help you set up the machines for maximum drying performance.
Check your property with moisture detection tools to ensure nothing is missed.

This means you get peace of mind knowing your drying job is being handled correctly, without unnecessary guesswork.

Our Full Range of Equipment for Hire

Flood Fixers Gold Coast has one of the most complete ranges of structural drying equipment on the Gold Coast, including:

💨 Air Movers – to circulate air and speed up evaporation.
💧 Dehumidifiers – to remove moisture from the air and prevent mould.
🌡️ Heat Drying Systems – to accelerate drying in stubborn areas.
🌀 Air Scrubbers – to filter the air and improve indoor air quality during drying.
📸 Thermal Imaging Cameras – to detect hidden moisture behind walls, under floors, and in ceilings.
⚙️ Moisture Meters and Detection Tools – to monitor drying progress.
…and much more professional-grade equipment to suit your specific job.

Why Choose Flood Fixers Gold Coast for Equipment Hire?

✅ Professional-Grade Machines – more powerful than standard retail models.
✅ Expert Setup & Advice – we’ll guide you step-by-step.
✅ Flexible Hire Options – perfect for small jobs or short-term needs.
✅ Full Support – if the job turns out bigger than expected, our 24/7 restoration team can step in.
✅ Servicing All Gold Coast Suburbs – fast delivery and setup available.

Do it yourself options are only recommended for small water damage situations. Whether you have a minor leak to dry or you are dealing with a major flood damage situation, the team at Flood Fixers Gold coast can always help and guide you in the right direction.

Final Thoughts

While hiring a dehumidifier may help in a minor water damage incident, it is not enough for large-scale flooding. Without proper water extraction, airflow, heat drying and the expertise of a professional water damage restoration company your home may suffer from hidden damage, mould, and structural issues.

If a property is left wet and not properly dried and restored it can also lead to health issues for the home occupant.

For peace of mind, professional results, and faster recovery, call Flood Fixers Gold Coast. With the latest equipment and 24/7 availability, we’ll restore your property safely and efficiently—often working directly with your insurance company to make the process as stress-free as possible.

Whatever your water damage situation or budget the team at Flood Fixers can be of helpful assistance.

📞 Contact Flood Fixers Gold Coast today for expert water damage restoration services across the Gold Coast