How To Avoid Electrical Hazards After A Flood

2/28/2018 (Permalink)

Much has been made of protecting your appliances from flooding, either by elevating them on crates or pallets, or better yet, moving them to a higher floor in your home or business.

Unfortunately, this is either not possible to do or is a step that is overlooked. Appliances are damaged by the thousands every year in flood related events. So what is the proper course of action after your home has been flooded and your appliances have been submerged in water?

The single best answer is that all flood damaged plumbing, heating, cooling and electrical appliances should be replaced, not repaired. It is the single best option with a almost zero risk factor. If work must be performed on these systems, then it should be done by a qualified, licensed contractor, rather than the homeowner.

If this sound like a rather strict approach, it is only because of the numerous accidents and injuries reported as a result of improper do it yourself repairs. 

Unit controls that have been damaged by floodwater are extremely dangerous, and any attempt to use them after they have suffered water or flood damage may result in fires or even explosions. Electrical appliances may produce serious electrical shock. Other devices that are at risk include water heaters, furnaces, boilers, room heaters, and air conditioners.

The repair of electrical units damaged by flooding and other related systems is by no means a job for the do it yourself artist. Even the most handy men among us should stay away from these types of problems and allow the professionals to conduct the work. This is especially true when it comes to control valves, as they are manufactured with very close tolerances, and should be replaced whenever they have been submerged in flood waters. 

In some cases, controls may appear to be operative even after the damage has occurred, but it is still unwise to engage the unit. It may work for a period of days or even weeks, but it still may fail, and any component that has been underwater poses a serious risk. 

Due to the serious nature of this sort of damage, and because so many things can and often do go wrong, it is in many cases cheaper and always safer to simply have the unit or units replaced.

While valves or controls may be repaired, the damage in other areas may go unnoticed. Acquiring a new unit is the single most effective way to make sure that your are getting a product that poses no safety threats to you or your family. 

Flood Damage To Your Home Or Business? Contact the professionals at SERVPRO of Oldham/Shelby County today. 502.241.6861

SERVPRO of Oldham/Shelby also proudly serves Spencer, Henry and Trimble Counties.