What Do I Need to Dry My House After a Flood?

What Do I Need to Dry My House After a Flood?

How to Use a Dehumidifier – Step-by-Step Guide

Dealing with a flooded house can be absolutely overwhelming. Whether it was a burst pipe, a washing machine hose that popped out, or a storm that blew through Dublin, water has a way of turning your home upside down. I’ve been in property management and flood recovery for over 15 years, and I’ve seen it all – sodden floors, sagging ceilings, and homeowners in tears, wondering where to even start.

But here’s the good news: with the right drying equipment, this problem can be solved – and solved properly. At A-Z Hire in Dublin, we help people like you every single week get their homes dry and safe again, often faster than they thought possible. In this guide, I’ll walk you through exactly what you need to do and how to use a dehumidifier the right way.

First Things First: Stay Safe and Act Fast

Before you plug anything in or start pulling up floorboards, there are a few critical steps:

1. Make Sure It’s Safe

• If water touched any sockets, appliances or fuse boxes, turn off the electricity and get a qualified electrician to inspect.

• Wear protective clothing – gloves, boots, and ideally a mask if mould is already starting to show.

2. Get Rid of Standing Water

Use a pump, wet vacuum, or even a good old-fashioned mop and bucket to remove as much standing water as you can. The less water left in the room, the faster the drying process begins.

3. Strip Out Wet Materials

Soaked carpets, rugs, and even soft furnishings will hold onto moisture. If you leave them in the room, they’ll slow everything down and make your dehumidifier work twice as hard. Take them out to dry separately or dispose of what’s beyond saving.

Why You Should Hire a Proper Dehumidifier (Not Buy One from a Shop)

Let’s clear something up – those small dehumidifiers you see in electrical retailers just aren’t cut out for this kind of job. They’re great for handling light damp in a spare room or drying laundry in the winter. But if your kitchen, hallway, or bedrooms have been hit by serious water damage, you need something powerful.

Why Hiring Makes Sense

• Speed: A professional-grade dehumidifier can remove 30 to 70 litres of water per day. A small home model? Maybe 5 to 10 litres if you’re lucky.

• Power: Hired machines are designed for flooded rooms, not just condensation or humidity.

• Cost-Effective: For a one-time event like a flood, hiring is cheaper than buying and owning a big industrial unit.

• Support: At A-Z Hire, we’ll show you exactly how to set it up and give you advice on how long to run it based on your specific space.

The Tools You’ll Need to Dry Out Your House

Here’s what I always recommend for post-flood drying:

✅ A Commercial Dehumidifier

Your main weapon. It will draw moisture out of the air and the structure of your home – plaster, timber, insulation.

✅ Air Movers or High-Power Fans

These get air circulating, which is essential. Damp, stagnant air takes far longer to dry.

✅ A Moisture Meter (Optional but Handy)

This lets you see what’s still wet and when it’s actually dry – just because a wall feels dry doesn’t mean it is.

Step-by-Step: How to Use a Dehumidifier After a Flood

Step 1: Seal the Room

Once water and wet items are cleared, close all windows and doors. You want to create a sealed environment so the dehumidifier can focus on removing moisture from the air – not fighting against fresh, damp air from outside.

Step 2: Position the Dehumidifier Properly

Put it in the centre of the room, if you can, and make sure there’s good airflow all around it. Don’t shove it into a corner or against a wall.

If the machine comes with a hose (most commercial ones do), run it into a sink, drain, or out a window, so you’re not emptying the tank every few hours.

Step 3: Set the Humidity Target

Aim for 40–50% relative humidity. This is the sweet spot – dry enough to stop mould and let materials recover, but not so dry it damages wood or plaster.

Step 4: Run It Constantly

Let it run 24/7 for at least 3–5 days, depending on how wet your space is. Don’t shut it off at night – moisture doesn’t sleep.

Step 5: Add Air Circulation

Bring in a fan or air mover and position it so it’s blowing air across wet areas – walls, floors, skirting boards. The more movement, the faster the drying.

How Long Will It Take to Dry?

This really depends on:

• The size of the room

• How much water got in

• The materials involved (wood floors take longer than concrete)

On average, it takes between 5–14 days to fully dry a flood-damaged space using proper equipment. Basements or areas with poor airflow might take longer – don’t rush it.

Common Mistakes That Slow Down Drying

I’ve seen a few things time and again that hold people back:

• Using a domestic dehumidifier that just isn’t strong enough

• Leaving windows open while trying to dry the room

• Stopping too soon, when surfaces feel dry but the structure is still damp underneath

• Not drying behind walls or under floors, leading to mould later on

When to Call a Professional

You’re doing great if you’ve gotten this far – but if you notice any of the following, get expert help:

• Persistent damp smells

• Visible black mould patches

• Ceilings or walls that start to bubble or sag

• Timber floors lifting or warping

A-Z Hire Dublin – Your Flood Recovery Partner

At A-Z Hire, we’ve helped hundreds of customers across Dublin recover from floods quickly and safely. We stock powerful, easy-to-use commercial dehumidifiers, air movers, and vacuums for exactly this kind of situation.

Why Choose Us?

• We’re local, knowledgeable, and fast.

• We’ll show you how to use the gear on the spot.

• Delivery available across Dublin.

Flood damage is traumatic – no doubt about it. But with the right gear and a calm plan, it doesn’t have to be a disaster. You can get your home back on track quicker than you think.

Final Tips to Avoid Future Floods

• Insulate pipes to prevent bursts in winter.

• Install water alarms near washing machines and boilers.

• Keep gutters and drains clear – you’d be surprised how often blockages cause indoor flooding.

• Consider raising appliances if you’re in a flood-prone area.

Conclusion

Flooding is one of the most stressful things a homeowner can experience. But trust me – you’re not alone. With the right approach and proper drying equipment from A-Z Hire in Dublin, you can take control of the situation and get your home clean, safe, and dry again.

Need help figuring out what size dehumidifier you need? Just call us at A-Z Hire and we’ll sort you out.