Floods and leaks often occur without warning, whether it’s a burst pipe or a roof struggling to withstand the unpredictable British weather. The faster you can get the water under control, the less chance there is of lasting damage to your property, possessions or business operations.

At Tool Chest Hire, we’re your reliable partner when disaster strikes. We stock a wide range of equipment designed specifically to deal with water-related emergencies, helping you remove water quickly, dry out spaces and restore things to normal. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential tools for each stage of the process, from the initial water removal to the final clean-up.

Step 1: Remove the water

The first priority in any flood or leak situation is to remove standing water. Leaving water to sit can quickly lead to damage to floors, walls, furniture and the structural integrity of a building. Using the right tools can make water removal fast and efficient.

Pumping equipment

For significant flooding, such as an outdoor area that’s filled with water, a submersible pump is essential. These powerful machines are designed to move large volumes of water quickly, redirecting it away from your property and into a suitable drainage point. Submersible pumps are easy to set up, reliable and capable of tackling even the heaviest of floods. Their high flow rates mean you can get rid of water in hours rather than days, significantly reducing the risk of damage.

Wet and dry vacuum cleaners

Once the bulk of the water has been pumped out, smaller puddles and damp patches remain. This is where a wet and dry vacuum is essential. Unlike regular vacuums, these machines are designed to safely suck up water as well as dirt and debris. They’re perfect for clearing up spills on carpets, hard floors, and those awkward corners where pumps can’t reach. They’re the finishing touch to water removal - the tool that gets the job done thoroughly and quickly.

Step 2: The drying phase

When the visible water is gone, moisture can still linger in the air, walls, flooring, and furniture. If left unaddressed, moisture can lead to mould or structural damage, which is both costly and harmful to health.

Dehumidifiers

One of the most effective tools in the drying process is a dehumidifier. These machines pull excess moisture from the air, preventing it from going deeper into building materials and furnishings. By lowering humidity levels, dehumidifiers prevent mould growth before it can take hold, creating a safe and comfortable environment. Whether you’re drying out a single room or an entire property, a dehumidifier is a must-have.

Industrial Fans

Working hand in hand with dehumidifiers are industrial fans. These powerful units circulate air around the affected area, speeding up evaporation and helping surfaces dry quicker. They’re particularly effective on carpets, underflooring and those hard-to-reach spaces where stagnant moisture tends to linger. Used together, dehumidifiers and industrial fans ensure that your space is thoroughly dry, not just on the surface.

Step 3: Post-event clean-up

Once the water is gone and the area is dry, attention turns to restoring the property to its original state. Floodwater can carry dirt, debris, and contaminants, so thorough cleaning is essential to make the space safe and usable again.

Cleaning and restoration

Drying alone isn’t enough - you’ll want to sanitise and refresh the space to prevent lingering odours or bacteria. A deep clean helps restore peace of mind and ensures the area is safe to live or work in again.,/p>

Pressure washers

For outdoor areas, garages, patios, or hard floors affected by floodwater, a pressure washer is the perfect tool. These machines blast away dirt and residue from concrete, stone, and other durable surfaces, leaving them clean and safe. They’re especially useful for spaces where floodwater may have been contaminated, helping you restore surfaces to a hygienic state quickly and efficiently.

Why hire from Tool Chest Hire?

When it comes to dealing with leaks and floods, having the right tools is half the battle - but having a reliable hire partner makes all the difference. We provide:

• Well-maintained, reliable equipment you can count on in an emergency.
• Expert advice to help you choose the right tools for your specific situation.
• Competitive rates that make professional-grade equipment affordable.
• Flexible hire periods to suit everything from a short-term leak to a major flood recovery project.

With us, you’ll have the confidence and equipment you need to take control of any water-related emergency, big or small.

Get in touch with us today to find out more about our flood and leak equipment hire and restore your property.