We’ve recently experienced a large amount of flooding in the areas we serve. This has led to a number of household problems for our customers, and we’re here to help. Here are some common questions and answers that have come up, we hope you find this information useful during this trying time.
Top HVAC Questions in a Flood
Q: There is water in my ductwork, can I still turn on my furnace?
No, if water is in your air ducts, you should not turn on your furnace. This can invite contaminated water into your living space, produce indoor air quality problems that will increase humidity, and can lead to problems with the performance and longevity of your equipment.
Q: What should I do if there is water in my ductwork, then?
After turning off your furnace, you’ll want to cover the heat registers. If possible, disconnect your air ducts to allow water to drain out. You can also carefully poke holes in the lowest spot in ridges or flexible ductwork to facilitate draining.
Q: My furnace flooded… does this mean I need to replace it?
The short answer to this is, “it depends.” There are a number of important components, such as the circuit boards, motors, electrical wiring, and metal that could suffer from corrosion following flooding, which could lead to future safety and performance problems. While repairs might be possible in some cases, manufacturers recommend replacement after a catastrophic event like this.
Q: Can I just get my water-damaged ducts cleaned?
This will depend on how much of the system was impacted, as well as the makeup and material of your ductwork. Metal ductwork can typically be effectively cleaned while flexible ducts or “duct board” should be replaced.
Q: How can I prevent further challenges with my air ducts?
Converting the system to entirely metal could help increase the durability of your ductwork and rodent resistance. Another option is to go ductless and avoid ducts altogether! Reach out to our Home Performance Experts to learn more.
Q; When should I consider a complete crawlspace/basement restoration?
This is heavily dependent on the degree of impact from the water, but generally speaking, any flexible ductwork should be replaced, and any insulation that got wet won’t be effective. Water-damaged insulation will impact energy efficiency and can create further property damage.
Top Plumbing Questions in a Flood
Q: Why does my sump pump only work on part of my crawlspace?
Crawlspaces often don’t have adequate drainage leading to the sump pump basin. Water flow can be blocked by debris, dirt, foundation footing, and more. You may need to have additional drainage running to the basic to fully evacuate water.
Q: Does Barron pump out crawlspaces?
This isn’t a service Barron currently provides. We recommend calling a local restoration company. Before our techs can enter a crawlspace or basement, all standing water must be removed–this is for safety reasons.
Q; My sump pump sounds like it is running, however, no water is draining out. What causes this?
These issues are being created by backed-up or overwhelmed stormwater drains downstream of the sump pumps. The best thing you can do is to ensure that your stormwater drain is unobstructed, and invest in video pipe inspection so that the condition of your private storm system can be checked.
Our team of Home Performance Experts has served Whatcom, Skagit, Island, Snohomish & San Juan Counties since 1972 with a mission of Improving Lives™. We look forward to serving you! Contact Barron today for HVAC services, plumbing services, and more.