Released June 3, 2011
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - Some appliances may be salvageable once floodwaters recede, said Samy Sadaka, an extension engineer with the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture.
When returning home after a flood, first make sure the waters have receded and the electricity is completely shut off, he said. Appliances still plugged in or left on may be dangerous.
Many flood-damaged appliances can be reused, but they must be totally dry and checked out by an authorized service technician before being plugged back in. "Water, especially flood water, causes many problems if it gets into an appliance," said Sadaka. Floodwaters can corrode or short out windings, electrical contacts and switches in many appliances.
It may be tempting to hose down any dirty or muddy appliances, but don’t do it! "Water may get into places that the flood didn’t reach, and you will only increase the damage," he said. In fact, postpone any cleaning until the appliance can be inspected. Imagine spending hours tidying up a favorite appliance, only to find out it no longer works.
Is the appliance worth the time?
Consider if it is worth the time to salvage an appliance, said Sadaka.
Built-in ranges, ovens and dishwashers (not portable or free-standing) generally have a layer of fiberglass insulation wrapped around the inner cabinet, with no outer cabinet. This insulation can easily be removed and replaced if it has become dampened with floodwaters.
However, refrigerators and freezers with wet insulation probably can’t be salvaged. Some older models with fiberglass cabinet insulation and metal liners can be saved by replacing those items, but the repair is expensive. Money would be better spent on a new, energy-efficient model.
Cabinets with polyurethane foam insulation and seamless plastic liners resist water better but, once soaked, are not repairable.
If affected appliances can be salvaged, wash them with a wet cloth and common household cleaners. Rinse with a disinfectant solution such as one teaspoon of chlorine bleach for each gallon of water, to sanitize and discourage mildew. Dry with a towel.
Fans can help increase airflow to dry out appliances. It may take a week or longer for an appliance to become completely dry. Odors may linger for up to a year.
If odors persist, wash with a solution made with one teaspoon baking soda to a quart of water, or one cup of vinegar or household ammonia per gallon of water. Activated charcoal, or carbon, is usually available where swimming pool or aquarium maintenance supplies are sold and will gradually soak up odors. Place a thin layer in a cookie or jellyroll pan and leave it in the affected area for 6 to 8 hours. It will then need to be reactivated by placing the pan in an oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for approximately one hour. This can be repeated several times.
Air conditioners and heating units are more complicated to salvage.
Repairs are often extensive, as heating and cooling manufacturers usually recommend that all motors, electrical components, safety controls and gas valves be replaced. In addition, there’s also the matter of having each unit undergo a detailed and thorough cleaning. Given these likely expenses, it may be better to simply replace the unit. Flood insurance and federal disaster assistance programs may help replace flooded gas and oil appliances, including furnaces.
If a unit can be salvaged, remember to have it professionally inspected, cleaned and reconditioned before reuse. Leave the inspection of oil storage tanks, motors, blowers and other flooded parts to the professionals. This includes oil and gas systems, oil-burning systems, liquid petroleum and natural gas systems, electrical systems, hot water heaters and chimneys.
Hot water heaters in particular should be replaced after a flood. Insulation in these units takes a long time to dry, and parts may corrode in the future. Chimneys may be cracked, clogged or leak, which can pose a fire hazard or cause carbon monoxide poisoning. Their foundations may also shift due to floodwaters. Have the chimney professionally inspected and cleaned and, if necessary, rebuilt.
Remember to cut power to or remove fuses from these appliances and machines. When touching switches, ground yourself by standing on a dry board and use rubber gloves or a dry stick to pull handles to protect against electrical shock.
Additional information on salvaging and using appliances after a flood can be found online. "Can I Re-Use My Flood-Submerged House Heating and Cooling Appliances?" can be found at http://www.arhomeandgarden.org/News/Energy_ETips/2011/may112011.doc. "Can I Reuse My Flood-Submerged Electric Items?" can be found at http://www.arhomeandgarden.org/News/Energy_ETips/2011/may102011.doc.
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University of Arkansas, http://www.uaex.edu/news/june2011/0603Ark_Floods_Appliances.htm
Contact: Mary Hightower, (501) 671-2126, mhightower@uaex.edu
