Camera courtesy of Voth's Countrywide Panasonic Lumix dmc-ts1

Homeowners returning to flood-damaged homes are reminded to be extremely careful when trying to re-activate furnaces and water heaters in flooded basements.

 

Gord Williams, Provincial Gas Inspector with SaskPower, says a furnace damaged by flooding will have to be replaced.  "Especially a furnace that's got a lot of electronic components in it these days.  If it's been submerged in water, then that furnace is no longer safe for continued use and, according to policy, probably needs to be replaced unless the gas contractor can figure out a way to fix it so it doesn't need to be replaced."

 

Williams says water heaters can sometimes be dried out and made workable again, but if the gas valve has been underwater for some time, the heater will likely not work properly.