Once an electrical control has been wet, it poses a fire and electrical shock risk and must be replaced. Gas valves are no longer assured to provide a safe shut-off to the gas, potentially causing gas leaks, fires, and explosions. Even mechanical devices such as float low water cut-offs and safety relief valves need to be replaces, as their components may become corroded, making the device unreliable for future use. The rust and sediment can prevent proper operation of the boiler if it is not cleaned out from the boiler. For oil-filled boilers, replace all oil burners.
Oil burners are complex systems consisting of solenoid valves, motors, electrodes, and pumps.
If these components have experienced flooding, oil leaks, valve failures, and electrical faults may occur resulting in a severe fire hazard, potential injury or death. In the case of large commercial burners, it is more cost efficient to replace the entire burner rather than attempting to replace all the controls and repair the mechanical components. Replace all insulation that has become water damaged. This includes jacket insulation, base box insulation, and combustion chamber insulation and refractories. After insulation has become water damaged due to flooding, it may deteriorate, reducing its insulation value and causing a potential fire hazard.