With the widespread property damage and personal injuries caused recently by Mississippi River flooding, here are some basic guidelines for boiler operators and boiler owners to consider when recovering their boiler system after flood waters recede.
- Flood waters may carry hazardous chemicals, oil and gasoline, bacteria, or raw sewage, so take precaution when returning to a boiler room and wear proper PPE or hire appropriate abatement services to mitigate any hazards that may be present.
- Ensure that all equipment in the boiler room is effectively locked out and that all potential energy sources are isolated.
- If electricity is still running to the boiler room, be cautious that standing water or soaked insulation could be electrified. On the other hand, if you return to your boiler room during a power outage, beware that power being suddenly restored to the electrical grid could cause accidental startup or reenergizing of boiler equipment if it is not properly locked out prior to inspection and repairs.
- Visually inspect the entire boiler system both internally and externally, and make notes about obvious damage or repairs required. Take pictures to aid documentation. Contact your insurance agency to discuss claims.
- Carefully examine the boiler setting and position to determine if the flood waters caused the boiler or boiler room building to shift. If either occurred, then piping and other equipment attached to the boiler or building could be adversely affected and may need replacement. Do not operate the boiler if the boiler foundation has been compromised.
- Wet insulation will cause external corrosion on steel boilers, tanks, and pipes. If removal is necessary, thoroughly clean and dry equipment before applying new insulation. If asbestos is present in the old insulation, ensure that qualified asbestos abatement personnel contain and remove the asbestos.
- Check all insulation and refractory inside the firebox and/or on the rear and front doors of the boiler. Check refractory and firebrick linings for deterioration, erosion, or loosening.
- Thoroughly clean feedwater and condensate return systems of mud or debris left behind by the flood waters.
- Inspect all inlet, outlet, drainage, and blow-off lines for blockage.
- Inspect pressure relief devices for corrosion or damage that affects proper operation of the device. Replacement or professional repairs by a qualified service may be required.
- Inspect all electrical controls and components.
- All electric motors and wiring should be inspected closely to determine if repair or replacement is necessary.
- Flame safeguards, ignition transformers, and safety shutoff valves on the fuel system should be replaced. Don’t take chances with these devices, as there is greater potential for explosion if any one is malfunctioning. Have the burner inspected by a qualified burner technician.
- If the boiler system burns natural gas, beware that gas valves and controls are especially vulnerable to flood water damage. Even if appearing clean on the outside, the inside components may be critically damaged affecting the proper performance of the device.
- Drain, clean, repair or replace other fuel system components.
- Inspect air inlets and exhaust stacks for blockage, debris, or damage.
- It is not recommended to run the boiler if properly treated feedwater is unavailable. Untreated water inside the boiler and tubes can quickly result in corrosion and pitting. If you must run the boiler with untreated water, follow manufacturer’s recommended blow down and cleaning procedures for doing so.
Restoring a boiler after a flood requires caution and careful work. Keep safety a priority. The above list is not an exhaustive checklist for returning a boiler room to operation, but it is a basic framework for developing your recovery plan. For complete recommendations on cleaning, repairing, and caring for your boiler equipment and parts, consult the manufacturer’s recommendation, or contact Joe Moore & Company at (919) 832-1665. We have decades of experience and relationships with various boiler and boiler parts manufacturers, and we can help you get answers.
