Have Your Building’s Gas Valves Run Away: 3 Things To Consider About Furnace Floods

9/26/2021 (Permalink)

If you stay aware of the potential risks after a flood and inspect your furnace for common areas of concern, then you shouldn't need to worry.

A furnace flood may be worrisome when it happens, but the aftermath can be just as bothersome. If you want to curb some of that concern, then you may want to review the list below for the most common issues resulting from a flooded furnace.

1. Gas Valves

A flooded furnace can lead to many problems, but many common issues stem from damage done to the gas valves.

These are three problems that can occur with a flooded furnace:

• Runaway Gas Valve: This refers to a valve that will not close, meaning that it is continually allowing gas into the system and potentially into the building.
• Intermittent Gas Valve: The valve may function sporadically, meaning that a furnace may not be able to heat when signaled by the thermostat.
• Bleeding Gas Valve: Similar to the runaway valve, this issue causes the valve to not entirely close after a cycle, allowing gas to continue to flow into the building and creating potential safety hazards.

2. Mold and Mildew in the Ductwork and Furnace Cabinet

A concern with any flood is the likely growth of mold and mildew, but a furnace flood creates a particular cause for concern. Most furnace cabinets require insulation. If this insulation is not checked after a flood, it can develop mold, which can spread through the ductwork and vents whenever the furnace cycles on.

3. Risk of System Failure

Beyond the concern of malfunctioning valves and exposure to mold, a flood can cause sustained damage that is not immediately noticeable. If this damage goes unchecked, then it can lead to full system failure.

Getting an Inspection

The easiest preventative is to check the Grasslands, FL, area for local restoration specialists and schedule an inspection and an air duct cleaning. Most furnace inspections should catch all of these major areas of concern before they impact your business operations.

A furnace flood can be trouble for business owners. If you stay aware of the potential risks after a flood and inspect your furnace for common areas of concern, then you should have little to worry about.