05/24/2022
If my water heater was in a flood, do I need to replace it?
The The Air-Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) recommends that any flood-damaged water heaters should be replaced, not repaired.
From the AHRI website, as it pertains to water heaters:
A house or basement exposed to standing water can damage your home’s water heater. After a flood, homeowners are advised to take important safety precautions with regard to their home’s heating and cooling system.
Do not use this appliance if any part has been under water.
Whether your water heater is gas-fired, oil-fired, or electric, if it was exposed to flood water, the unit should be replaced.
In a gas unit, valves and controls will likely corrode.
In an electric unit, the thermostat and controls will likely corrode.
In both types, the insulation surrounding the unit will be contaminated and will be nearly impossible to disinfect.
Additionally, the insulation will take a long time to dry completely and may lead to corrosion of the tank from the outside.
All inspection and replacement work on flooded equipment should be performed by qualified contractors, not by homeowners. You can turn misfortune into opportunity by considering new, energy-efficient models that will lower your future energy bills.
At the time of your new water heater’s installation, be sure that the Temperature and Pressure Relief Valve is new as well. Using a Temperature and Pressures Relief Valve that was subject to flood water is not advisable.
Prior to connecting the gas supply line to a gas fired water heater, ensure that the gas supply line does not have moisture/water or dirt/scale inside the gas line. Commonly this check is done at the lowest point in the gas distribution system prior to gas burning appliances.
This information came from our main supplier, Grove, but I thought it was important to share.
