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NorthernIllinoisPlumber
06-25-2008, 10:23 AM
A regular 50 gallon gas water heater was subjected to at least 4 inches of water in a basement (house was abandoned several months). It will not light. The water heater is at LEAST 5 years old. This is all the info I have, it is not a power vent. I have my own thoughts on spending money and time on a water heater when half its life is over...but I would really appreciate any comments, thanks.
JERRYMAC
06-25-2008, 10:33 AM
ALL MFG'S REQUIRE REPLACEMENT EVEN IF JUST INSTALLED, :clapping:
IN ANY CASE OF FLOODING DUE TO POSSIBLE
LIABILITY ISSUE'S :soapbox:
Service Guy
06-25-2008, 11:03 AM
Jerry is correct. Thats what I have always done too.
PLUMBER RICK
06-25-2008, 11:15 AM
4'' of water would not have made it up to the gas valve. is there a scum line to determine the level?

chances are the pilot orifice and possibly the main gas orifice are dirty/ wet.

removing the burner assy. will take a couple of minutes and chances are you will see the condition of the burner assy. if it's all rusted out, then you can replace it, if you have a replacement available.

5 years ago when 50's cost $160.00 and the valve was $60.00 it made sense to replace the entire heater. today the heater cost me $450+ and the parts are hard to come by as the heater is sealed. fvir.

sounds like a simple fix if the burner is in good condition.

rick.
PLUMBER RICK
06-25-2008, 11:18 AM
ALL MFG'S REQUIRE REPLACEMENT EVEN IF JUST INSTALLED, :clapping:
IN ANY CASE OF FLOODING DUE TO POSSIBLE
LIABILITY ISSUE'S :soapbox:

not to sure as years ago american appliance sold a "flood kit" for their commercial heaters. it contained all the required parts for just this case.

rick.
Masterplumb
06-25-2008, 12:36 PM
I agree with Rick.
NorthernIllinoisPlumber
06-25-2008, 01:51 PM
No, there is no scum line. I replaced a completely submerged WH a couple weeks ago...no problem there. I really have no exact idea, nor does the H/O how high the water got, before going down. I would replace it with a 40, as there is no need for a 50. It is just the 2 of them.
ToUtahNow
06-25-2008, 02:00 PM
No, there is no scum line. I replaced a completely submerged WH a couple weeks ago...no problem there. I really have no exact idea, nor does the H/O how high the water got, before going down. I would replace it with a 40, as there is no need for a 50. It is just the 2 of them.

You need to go with your gut instinct and if you don't feel it is salvageable, replace it. Your butt is the one on the line here not ours.

Mark
NorthernIllinoisPlumber
06-25-2008, 02:25 PM
Right about that! I like to get other opinions, and value them. Thanks for the input...I am pushing for replacement.
JCsPlumbing
06-25-2008, 02:41 PM
If it is a non FVIR, I would attempt 1 dismantle, clean, refire. After that, chunk it.

If FVIR, chunk it. Too many variables and things to change & clean to make it work properly.

J.C.
ridgidpipe
06-25-2008, 05:46 PM
If it is a non FVIR, I would attempt 1 dismantle, clean, refire. After that, chunk it.

If FVIR, chunk it. Too many variables and things to change & clean to make it work properly.

J.C.
At The risk of Totally Internet Ingnorant ( which I am ) what does FVIR mean ?
Plumbducky
06-25-2008, 06:29 PM
Rheem just sent out paper work that if any water heater is submerged with water that is should be replaced. It will not be covered under warranty.

With that being said, I would replace the water heater.
ToUtahNow
06-25-2008, 06:35 PM
At The risk of Totally Internet Ingnorant ( which I am ) what does FVIR mean ?

Flammable Vapor Ignition Resistant

Mark
NorthernIllinoisPlumber
06-25-2008, 08:04 PM
This water heater is the older style...you know, the one that you cannot store an open container of gas by!

Anyway, the parts to rebuild would be $ 200+ not even worth it for a 5 year old water heater.
Service Guy
06-25-2008, 08:32 PM
Jerrymac was the first to answer, and his answer was the best. After all he has a PH.D in Waterheaterology!:D
OkieBill
06-25-2008, 10:26 PM
Change it out...

Insurance is a wonderful thing. ( hope they had it:-)
NorthernIllinoisPlumber
07-03-2008, 02:10 PM
The homeowner opted to try to replace any bad parts. I last left him Saturday, and have not heard anything. I may call, or I may not?
mtnman1100
07-03-2008, 11:11 PM
The homeowner opted to try to replace any bad parts. I last left him Saturday, and have not heard anything. I may call, or I may not?
Or perhaps the water heater went boom and you will get no answer.
NorthernIllinoisPlumber
07-03-2008, 11:33 PM
I see no humor in that.