How do you fix a hot water heater after a flood?

Turn the gas supply back on, turn the dial on the gas valve to the “pilot” position and depress the push-button pilot button as you light the pilot under the burner with the log lighter. Hold the pilot button down to “prime” the thermocouple—otherwise it will cut the gas supply to the pilot light.

Can a broken water heater cause a flood?

Posted in Blog, Water Damage. A burst water heater can cause significant water damage and must be immediately addressed. At Soil-Away we’ve responded to hundreds of flooded basements calls over the years due to failed hot water tanks.

Can a water heater be rebuilt after a flood?

A.O. Smith Water Heater Company also states online in their “Suggested Guidelines For Water Heaters That Have Been Involved In A Flood” documents that: “Any residential gas or electric water heater that has been flooded must be replaced. Rebuilding of the heater should not be attempted, especially if the unit has been totally submerged.”

How do you light a hot water heater after a flood?

Hold the pilot button down to “prime” the thermocouple—otherwise it will cut the gas supply to the pilot light. Release the pilot button, and adjust the temperature dial to “vacation” or “pilot” position. Turn the gas valve to “on” position, then slowly turn the temperature dial clockwise until the burner “fires up.”

What should I do if my gas water heater is damaged?

Inspect the burner assembly for damage and corrosion. Replace the entire burner assembly if damaged. Otherwise, clean the burner assembly with rags and blow out all orifices with air hose. Clean the burner chamber thoroughly and ensure that vent screen is free of debris.

What happens when a water heater is submerged?

When a water heater’s controls are underwater even for a short time, damage can occur to the tank’s control valve (gas) or thermostat (electric). Both of these controls feature electronic and electrical components that can short out when they are submerged or take on moisture.

What should I do if my hot water heater got flooded?

Add a few more steps to the process to make sure that your water heater is safely re-lit. Turn off the gas supply if you didn’t get a chance to turn it off before the flood. Turn the gas control valve to the off position. Allow the water heater to sit until it is completely dry.

What should I use to fix my gas water heater?

Gather tools. Every water heater is a bit different. you may be able to get by with a small adjustable wrench, channel locks, air compressor, blowgun, and rags. Disconnect gas supply line, pilot line, main burner line, and thermocouple from control. Thermocouples come in both right and left thread.

Can a gas water heater be re-lit after being submerged?

Although a gas water heater may be able to be re-lit after it has been submerged, there is no way to determine the safety or the functionality of the water heater.

Why does a tankless water heater last so long?

Also called “on-demand” water heaters, these appliances do not work continuously to maintain a supply of hot water—and, as a result, they last longer than their tank-style counterparts. Eventually, though, tankless water heaters (which do not use anode rods) will also suffer from corrosion and require replacement.