Proudly American
Separate the appliance concern from the source of water
Water entering through a chimney and floodwater entering a room are different events. Describe which happened, when it was discovered and what areas were affected. Correcting a roof or chimney leak does not automatically establish the condition of controls or other equipment that became wet.
Do not restart equipment to see whether it survived
The CPSC warns that submerged gas control valves require replacement, even if they appear to function afterward. Other affected components need appropriate professional evaluation. A successful ignition attempt is not a safety test, and drying the room does not reverse all damage.
Preserve observations from a safe location
Use existing photographs or records to describe the exposure. Do not touch wet electrical equipment, enter an unsafe area or remove appliance panels to look for a waterline. If there is a gas smell, leave and contact 911 and the gas utility from safety. Deal with immediate hazards before arranging a routine visit.
Ask for two clearly described next steps
The plan needs to address the entry source and the appliance’s condition. Ask which specialist is responsible for each question and what must be completed before use resumes. Keep recommendations separate from any insurance discussion; this page cannot establish coverage or decide whether a particular appliance is repairable.