This document provides instructions for safely relighting and repairing gas and electric water heaters after flooding. It explains that flooded electric water heaters must be replaced, while gas heaters can sometimes be salvaged if dried thoroughly. Step-by-step instructions are given for relighting pilot lights on gas water heaters and draining and flushing both gas and electric models. Safety precautions like turning off power and gas are emphasized.

1. Most property owners attempt to save as much as they
can after a flood. Appliances with complex electronics generally
must be replaced, but simpler ones such as gas water heaters
might be salvageable. A certified plumber is always the best
resource to repair (or replace) major flood damage, but the
relighting process is fairly simple. Add a few more steps to the
process to make sure that your gas water heater is safely re-lit.
Flooded electric water heaters must be replaced or put
out of service until dry. Do not touch wet water heaters or touch
a water heater while standing on a wet surface. Turn the power
off!
1. Close the drain valve at the bottom of the tank. Remove
the hose that you used to drain the tank and clean up any
excess water. Make sure the drain valve is tight.
2. Dry off the area around the valve and the valve itself. You
are going to want to watch when the water is turned on,
to make sure it is not leaking.
3. Shut off any of the valves or faucets in the house that you
may have opened when you drained the tank.
4. Turn the cold water supply line at the top of the tank. You
should be able to hear the tank filling at this point.
5. There should not be a valve on the hot water side of the
tank. If there is, make sure that it is open.
6. Wait for the water heater to completely fill with water.
Try a couple of the faucets and bleed out the air to make
sure the tank is full.
7. Hook the wires back up the elements and replace the
covers if needed.
8. Turn the breaker on for the hot water tank after the tank
is filled with water.
9. Only one element heats at a time and it may take a while
for the water to heat back up completely.
10. After an hour, you should have warm if not hot water.
Electric Water Heater Instructions

2. Gas Water Heater Instructions
1. Turn off the gas supply if you didn’t get a chance to turn it
off before the flood. Turn the gas control valve to the off
position. Allow the water heater to sit until it is completely
dry.
2. Sweep as much dry muck off the water heater as possible,
and clean all the supply lines, the overflow line and drain
with a soft cloth. Use vinegar as a cleaning solvent.
3. Remove the front plates at the bottom of the tank, and
clear the burner holes out with a toothbrush or other
small, soft brush—again using vinegar as a solvent. Replace
the thermocouple or any other parts that have been
damaged.
4. Allow parts to dry completely again, and attach
connections for the thermocouple, pilot and gas supply if
you’ve detached them. Check each gas connection to make
sure it is tight enough by dropping a bit of dish washing
soap on it; avoid over-tightening gas line connections.
5. Turn the gas supply back on, turn the dial on the gas valve
to the “pilot” position and depress the push-button pilot
button as you light the pilot under the burner with the log
lighter. Hold the pilot button down to “prime” the
thermocouple—otherwise it will cut the gas supply to the
pilot light.
6. Release the pilot button, and adjust the temperature dial
to “vacation” or “pilot” position. Turn the gas valve to “on”
position, then slowly turn the temperature dial clockwise
until the burner “fires up.”
7. Turn the temperature valve down once you’re sure the
burner fires properly. Replace the front panel on the tank,
and reset the temperature valve to its customary position.
Flushing a Water Heater
1. Locate the breaker/fuse box for an electric heater or
thermostat for a gas heater.
2. Disable the circuit or fuse that powers the electric water
heater, or turn the thermostat to “Pilot” on a gas heater.
3. Turn off your cold water supply by rotating the water shut-
off valve clockwise.
4. Open the hot water facet in your sink or tub.
5. Attach a garden hose to drain the cock, or valve, located at
the bottom of the heater.
6. Extend the garden hose to a place where the water from
the heater can safely discharge.
7. Open the drain cock to allow the water to exit the heater.
8. Fill a “test” bucket with the still flushing water after a few
minutes of flushing.
Finishing Up
1. Close the drain cock and remove the garden hose.
2. Turn the water supply back on and let the tank fill.
3. Close the water heater drain. DO NOT turn on the power
without filling, the heating element can be damaged.
4. Turn the water supply back on and wait until hot water
begins running. After the hot water is running at full
volume, it’s safe to turn on the circuit breaker or fuse box.
5. Turn off the tub spigot.