NORA’s Flood-Damaged Oil Appliance Checklist
Flood-Damaged Oil Appliance Check list:
Because so many things can go wrong as a result of flood water, it’s usually cheaper and always safer to replace, rather than repair. You can replace one component, but there may be damage to other parts of the unit, like venting, piping, burners and insulation. There are just so many things that can go wrong. The wise choice is always to start over with new equipment.
However, there may be extenuating circumstances where heat is required on a temporary basis. The following steps may be taken to provide temporary heat.
NOTE: Any electronic or electrical equipment will need to be replaced before operating!
Tank Verify that tank is still secure and properly fastened ‘ if not secure, do not operate
Stick the tank to determine presence of water ‘ note witness mark of high water line relative to vents ‘ if water was over the vents or is in the tank, do not operate equipment
Verify tank fittings are sound, no signs of leakage or damage ‘ if not sound, do not operate
Verify tank gauge and alarm are sound and functioning
Verify tank vent functions properly, is not plugged ‘ if plugged, do not operate
Verify fuel line is sound, with no signs of kinking, breakage, flattening, etc. The foundation repair lansing suggests to watch particularly where it penetrates the foundation (check https://smartfoundationsystems.com/kansas-city-basement-waterproofing for the best foundation )or walls.
Check Oil Safety Valve (OSV, PRV) for contamination ‘ replace if submerged
Check filter and canister for damage or contamination and change if required
Burner ‘ option 1 (temporary heat)
NOTE: Everything that was under water will need to be replaced as soon as practical.
Verify control has not been submerged or wet, even partially ‘ if it has, do not operate
Clean / rinse burner and appliance
Check fire safety valve for function, contamination ‘ replace as necessary
Remove air tube combination
Clean and dry nozzle line electrode assembly and replace nozzle
Wipe out inside of air tube and retention head
Remove burner motor and replace
Remove primary control and replace
Rinse and dry wires in junction box, and clean with contact cleaner ‘ protect control from water
Remove valve cord from valve coil and clean contacts with contact cleaner ‘ Replace as soon as practical.
Remove pump and coupling. Wash and dry fuel unit. Grease pump shaft & replace coupling – Replace pump as soon as practical.
Remove iron core transformer or igniter and replace ‘ replace springs if corroded
Reinstall air tube combination and replace any refractory sleeves, head protectors, etc.
If burner has cover, remove and run without it
If burner has other safety controls or components, inspect and replace as necessary. Consult manual or manufacturer’s technical service.
Burner ‘ option 2 (significant burner damage)
NOTE: Everything that was under water will need to be replaced as soon as practical. Check
Clean / rinse appliance
Check fire safety valve for function, contamination ‘ replace as necessary
Remove air tube combination
Clean and dry nozzle line electrode assembly and replace nozzle
Wipe out inside of air tube and retention head
Replace burner chassis with an appropriate replacement
Verify proper combustion air flow is available (grills, outside air duct, louvers, clear, no insulation or obstructions blocking flow).
Boiler
Remove burner from boiler. See options above.
Remove jacket and inspect jacket and insulation. If insulation is saturated, dispose safely. Asbestos may be involved, so handle consistent with required practice!
Remove door or burner mounting plate
Inspect boiler interior ‘ refractory, target wall and/or blanket.
Remove and/or inspect gaskets, clean-outs, breeching, baffles, etc.
Clean boiler flue passages
Wash / rinse down inside of chamber, heat exchanger and outside of boiler
Replace refractory components exposed to water (consult appliance manufacturer for parts)
Inspect circulators, zone valves and relays, and replace as necessary (electrical components exposed to water should be replaced)
Replace boiler control
Furnace
NOTE: The furnace must be replaced as soon as practical and must be closely supervised when operating!
Remove burner from furnace. See options above.
Inspect all mechanical components and wash / rinse as necessary
Replace motors and controls that have been submerged.
Replace any polarized plug and socket (Molex-type or similar) connectors
Inspect / replace electronic air cleaners, mechanical filters
Drain and clean duct work, cold air returns, etc.
Flue
Verify that chimney is secured to structure
Inspect entire chimney for damage, integrity and leaks
Remove flue pipes and inspect for blockage
Inspect barometric draft regulator for proper function ‘ replace as necessary
Do not fire test unless flue and chimney are dry and clear
Startup
Follow burner manual or manufacturer’s instructions for startup procedure
Monitor initial burner operation until it is stable. Wet refractories may have an effect on
