Flood-damaged Appliances Should Be Replaced Following Chicagoland Severe Storms

CHICAGO - April 30, 2013 - PRLog -- With flooding in Chicagoland last week, it is important to remember that all flood-damaged plumbing, heating, cooling and electrical appliances and related systems should be replaced, rather than repaired. The rain how now subsided, but water levels are still high.

Professional standards from manufacturers and Nicor Gas also recommend that all work on flooded equipment be performed by a qualified, licensed contractor, not by homeowners.

This warning stems from past reports of accidents resulting from improper do-it-yourself repairs of flood-damaged appliances. Local HVAC expert and CEO of  A.W.E. Ray Grimm stresses that not only gas equipment is at risk but also units using oil or electricity as the energy source.

“Controls damaged by floodwaters are extremely dangerous,” said Grimm. “Attempts to use equipment with defective gas or oil control devices can result in fires, flashbacks or explosions. And in the case of electrical appliances, the result can be injury or even death from a powerful electric shock.”

Devices at risk include water heaters, furnaces, boilers, room heaters and air conditioners. Repair of flooded appliances and related systems (including damaged venting and electrical connections) is not a job for the do-it-yourselfer, no matter how skilled.

Often these repairs can be covered by homeowner’s insurance.

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