Contractors use a variety of equipment for dewatering after floods, depending on the scale of the flooding, the amount of water to be removed, and the specific conditions of the affected area. Some common equipment is compact and easy to take along on routine service jobs, while other specialized equipment pose a bigger investment, but offer higher reward. 

Some common equipment used for dewatering after floods include:

Submersible pumps

These pumps are designed to be submerged in water and are commonly used for removing water from flooded areas such as basements, construction sites, and streets. They come in various sizes and capacities to accommodate different water removal needs.

Trash pumps

Similar to submersible pumps, trash pumps are used for removing water from flooded areas, but they are capable of handling water containing solid debris and other contaminants. They are often used in areas with significant debris accumulation.

Vacuum trucks

Vacuum trucks are equipped with powerful vacuum systems that can suck up large volumes of water and debris. They are commonly used for dewatering large areas such as streets, parking lots, and industrial sites.

Portable sump pumps

These pumps are smaller and more portable than submersible pumps, making them suitable for dewatering small flooded areas such as residential basements or crawl spaces.

Dewatering bags or tubes

These are used to filter sediment and debris from pumped water, preventing it from contaminating nearby water sources or storm drains.

Temporary barriers or dams

Contractors may use temporary barriers or dams to contain floodwaters or redirect them away from critical infrastructure or sensitive areas while dewatering operations are underway. 

 For some examples of these pieces of equipment, check out the March issue of DCR - https://www.dcrcontractor.com/magazine/2024/03