ServiceOne is committed to the #NebraskaStrong and #IowaStrong causes and wants to help those negatively affected by the disastrous flooding in a way that is appropriate for our company. ServiceOne is a trusted industry leader that not only knows HVAC and plumbing but also how to navigate the complexities that insurance companies pose. This is our responsibility as your One Simple Solution.
If you were a victim of the Nebraska or Iowa floods (near the Omaha/Council Bluffs Metro Area), and schedule an HVAC inspection with ServiceOne before April 30th you will receive:
- A FREE Furnace, Air Conditioner, and Water Heater Inspection.
- A 5% Discount Towards a System Replacement, If Necessary.
- A 5% Donation Towards the American Red Cross Flood Relief Efforts for Every System Replaced.
Call (402)593-1111 and request a ‘#NebraskaStrong Inspection.
ServiceOne also wants to provide you with professional advice to help answer questions and address any areas of concern regarding your HVAC equipment that may have been affected.
The information we're sharing is vital towards the safe operation of these HVAC systems damaged by water. Please read this newsletter excerpt from GAMA (Gas Appliance Manufacturers Association, Inc.) carefully:
It is important to remember that all flood-damaged plumbing, heating, cooling, and electrical appliances and related systems should be replaced, rather than repaired. This warning was issued by GAMA, the national trade association representing manufacturers of appliances, components and related products used in space heating and water heating, commercial food service and power generation. The organization also recommends that all work on flooded equipment be performed by a qualified licensed contractor, not by homeowners.
The GAMA warning stems from past reports of accidents resulting from improper do-it-yourself repairs of flood-damaged appliances. One homeowner, for example, suffered severe burns in a flash fire that occurred when he tried to relight the pilot on his flooded gas water heater. The Association stresses that not only gas equipment is at risk, but also units using oil or electricity as the energy source.
PLEASE NOTE DANGERS: Controls damaged by flood water are extremely dangerous. Attempts to use equipment with defective gas or oil control devices can result in fires, flashbacks or explosions. And in the case of electric appliances, the result can be injury or even death from a powerful electric shock. Devices at risk include water heaters, furnaces, boilers, room heaters, and air conditioners.The Association stresses that the repair of flooded appliances and related systems (including damaged venting and electrical connections) is not a job for the do-it-yourselfer, no matter how skilled. This is particularly true of control valves, according to GAMA officials. These components are manufactured to extremely close tolerances. Once submerged in floodwater, they must be replaced. Field repairs should never be attempted by the homeowner.
Even when controls appear to be operative, the unit should not be used after floodwaters recede. It may work for a while but it will deteriorate over time. It might take a week, a month, or even a year, but once any control has been underwater, it presents a serious hazard...fire or explosion in the case of gas controls, fire or shock in the case of electric equipment.
Because so many things can go wrong as a result of floodwater, it's usually cheaper, and always safer to replace, rather than repair. You can have a control valve replaced, 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 and the wise choice is always to start over with new equipment.
Further reading material on HVAC equipment impacted by floods: