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clean
flooded heating system before use
Any
heating system exposed to floodwater must be cleaned
before reuse, said Tom Greiner, Iowa State University
Extension agricultural engineer.
Even
if the heating system works after its "bath,"
dirt-clogged chimneys & smoke boxes could cause the
furnace to explode. Check the inside of a flooded furnace
before starting any fires. Flush sediment from the
chimney w/ a hose or a swab tied on a long stick. Most
flues can be reached through a clean-out door above the
fire door.
If
the heater is jacketed, clean out all mud between the
stove & the outside casing. The casing may be removed
to give working space. Take the smoke pipe out of the
chimney & reach through the thimble to remove any mud
from the lower portion of the chimney flue. This assures
a draft for the fire.
In
oil burning systems, inspect the fuel storage tank for
opened seams. Dismantle the burner & clean all parts
w/ kerosene. Inspect & clean the air blower. Replace
fuel filters & clean & dry out the fuel pump.
Remove housings that enclose gears & clean the gears
thoroughly w/ kerosene. Grit in the gears will cause
undue wear.
Be
extra careful that the fan motor, electric ignition
system & wiring are completely clean & dry before
you turn on the electricity. Electric motor cleaning
should be left to electricians &
repairpeople.
Check
any chimney that has been in contact w/ water for leaks
that may have developed from dissolved mortar. Most
chimneys have a foundation in the ground. Check the
foundation & make sure it has not been
undermined.
"A
good way to check for small leaks in the chimney or
furnace is to buy an inexpensive smoke candle from your
local heating contractor," Greiner said. "Follow the
instructions furnished. After lighting the candle, trap
the smoke in the chimney by restricting the top of the
chimney. Leave a small opening so the smoke will rise.
Smoke escaping through the masonry will indicate leaks
you may not see otherwise. The best repair is a new flue
liner."
Natural
& bottled gas heating systems should be checked by a
serviceperson to make sure that no water leaked into the
controls or pressure regulator. You can remove the burner
elements & clean them, but leave the electric
controls & regulators to a serviceperson. Replace
severely soaked electric blower motors.
When
the system is in good shape, have it "okayed" by a
serviceperson, Greiner said. Then restart the furnace to
see if it works, keeping the heat low. If weather
permits, turn the furnace off. High heat may dry the
house out too fast & cause excessive warping in the
floors & other parts of the building.
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