Can a Flooded Furnace Be Repaired?

5/6/2020 (Permalink)

A broken pipe or more widespread water damage can cause a furnace flood

A broken pipe or more widespread water damage can cause a furnace flood. Exposure to water will damage a furnace and necessitate repairs or replacement. Here are several measures the owner or manager of a commercial property can take to determine whether it is possible to fix a flooded furnace.

Mitigate Water Damage

Minimizing the extent of damage is the first step toward determining the condition of a damaged furnace. Take the following measures as soon as possible:

• Stop the flow of water
  
• Turn off the furnace
  
• Address the cause of damage
  
  

If a broken pipe is the source of water damage, shut off the water supply and arrange for plumbing repairs. Building owners or managers can attempt to remove as much water as possible. Damage mitigation experts will recommend the best approach to extraction and drying.

Have the Furnace Inspected
A furnace inspection can take place as soon as water damage has been mitigated. A trained HVAC specialist will determine whether furnace repairs are possible or replacement is necessary. Burners, control boards, and valves may not function reliably after being exposed to water. An air duct cleaning may also be necessary to safely operate climate controls in the affected structure.

Prevent Future Damage
Regular inspections of plumbing and appliances can be helpful for preventing a furnace flood or providing proof of maintenance if this incident occurs. Commercial property insurance should cover water damage caused by broken pipes, but may not cover emergency plumbing repairs. Keeping a record of maintenance can be helpful for settling a claim that covers more of the costs associated with cleanup and restoration.
A furnace flood typically calls for water damage cleanup and replacement of the damaged appliance. Having plumbing regularly inspected and taking measures to prevent frozen pipes may reduce the risk that a furnace will flood at a commercial building in Cloverleaf, TX.