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