A flooded basement is always frustrating, but it's even more worrisome when the water reaches your furnace. A furnace isn't designed to be submerged in water, and if the water is very deep, a lot of damage could be done. However, even a small amount of water can lead to furnace problems, so it's essential to call a furnace repair company to check your furnace once your basement has been dried out. Here are some steps for dealing with a wet furnace.

Turn Off The Power To Your Basement

The first step is to turn off electricity and gas to your basement so that your furnace doesn't try to run and so the risk of electrocution is eliminated. Even if you dry out the basement fast, don't turn on your furnace until it's been checked out by a furnace repair professional.

Determine If The Furnace Can Be Saved

The furnace repair person will determine if the furnace can be repaired or if it has to be replaced. The determination depends on how much of the furnace was submerged, how long the furnace was wet, and the type of water that flooded your basement.

If the water wasn't very deep, the electronic components may have been spared, and in that case, repairs might be possible. If your basement was flooded with sewer water or another contaminated water source, the furnace might have to be replaced. Your repair person may also discuss insurance coverage because your insurance might pay for a new furnace in certain situations.

Take The Furnace Apart To Clean It

Wet parts like the filter and insulation should be discarded. The furnace should then be cleaned and dried inside and outside. Your furnace might also need to be sanitized since even clean water from a plumbing pipe can grow bacteria if it sits very long. As the repair technician takes the furnace pieces apart, they can look for signs of water damage. Some parts may need to be replaced if water has leaked inside them.

Replace Parts And Repair Damage

Hazards associated with a wet furnace include rust development, mold growth, and bacterial growth. Also, water damage to parts could create a hazard, especially with a gas furnace. The furnace repair professional may opt to change parts as needed just so they don't corrode and become a safety issue later.

It's also important to dry out your basement quickly. The increased moisture in the air could contribute to mold growth and rust in your furnace. You might need a water damage restoration professional or you may need to rent commercial dryers and a dehumidifier to dry your basement so you can protect your furnace from even worse damage. Contact a furnace repair service for more information.