What can be saved from flooded house?

[littlespark]

Just before xmas, my neighbours suffered a burst pipe while they were on holiday. They have lost everything apart from what they had away with them.
The insurance company are trying to say the kitchen units are saveable, but he knows himself the chipboard units have swelled.
I've already been approached to install a temporary DB and some sockets so the drying machines can have power.
5 skips later, and the walls are down to the bare wooden frames, and no ceilings. The switches, sockets and even radiators are still attached to the walls. They've just broken the plasterboard away from around them.

If I am asked to reinstall the electrical system in the house, how much will need to be renewed?
The cables will probably be alright... but switches and sockets? If they are dried out, can they be reused?
I've not got the job yet to reinstall the electrics, so i'm just planning ahead.
Nice easy job within walking distance.

 

[buzzlightyear]

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The cables will probably be alright... but switches and sockets? If they are dried out, can they be reused?

the only way of knowing the cables are ok by doing IR TEST .and depends how bad the flood was .

 

[Octopus]

As you say the cables should be OK, as would be the back boxes .... any switch gear would need to be replaced ............IMHO

 

[Des 56]

Deleted because I thought the amazon river had entered,however,it seems its just a severe case of a dripping tap

 

[Taylortwocities]

I wouldn’t think of trying to reuse sockets etc that have been saturated.
Take them out and Wago out the junctions. Do cont and IR tests. There are probably JBs that are soggy too!
Once you have a solid cable infrastructure you can install new switches, sockets. Etc.
Good luck.

 

[The Ghost]

It will be an insurance job, you probably wont be doing it I would hazard. And it will be a complete rewire I guess.

 

[Spoon]

my neighbours suffered a burst pipe while they were on holiday.

It wasn't a flood guys. The OP says 'burst pipe' so I'm not sure how much damage would have been done to the sockets..

 

[littlespark]

It will be an insurance job, you probably wont be doing it

I thought this as well.... but the cleaning company that the insurance used had asked the owner of the house if he knew an electrician to give them a temporary supply for their driers. I'm hoping its the same when it comes to reinstalling the electrics

 

[littlespark]

My bad choice of words. Flood from a burst pipe... so no sewerage, just clean water.
From reports, it was sitting an inch deep downstairs. A river coming down the stairs and out the front door.

 

[Gavin John Hyde]

as somebody has mentioned already, check the junction boxes, might be full of water inside. if the insurance company do pay for a rewire they may have preferred contractors, occasionally they tell homeowners to get quotes and submit them to the adjustor. all to often though its all arranged for them from afar.

 

[pirate]

Very often the loss adjusters look for "local" input when assessing claims, so they sucker local people in for quotes, then tell their "preferred contractors" the price they have to meet...you never have a chance of getting the job...been there, done that, got a wardrobe full of t-shirts...but got my own back by under-quoting by miles, being offered the job...then declining...
very satisfying!

 

[pirate]

Plus, all you good sparks out there, why spend time inspecting wet sockets and wiring?
Rip it out and start again! (there's a song there, somewhere...)
You will have installed it, all new...you will have tested it...you will certify it...proper, professional job done...and you will sleep at night.

 

[PEG]

I would doubt it will be a full rewire,areas soaked will require testing,when dried. Drying out,can be tricky,as some parts of the structure,especially if constructed with modern type DPC methods,will hold dirty water (and it will be dirty),and not necessarily be readily ventilated,to enable drying.

This issue can pop-up,later,as smells,rotting and even surprises like mosquito plagues

Also,inner leaf joist holes and other perforations,can allow water to soak full-fill cavity insulation,which with little chance of ventilation,will suck the heat out and drip-feed damp to the inside wall...

In fact,the electrical side could be the cheapest to sort

 

[Toneyz]

A lot would depend upon where the burst pipe was and how old the property is and the probability of junction boxes used. Also how the existing circuits are wired.

 

[littlespark]

The house is same age as mine. 11 years. Timber framed. No alterations to existing wiring that I’m aware of so no junction boxes.
Concrete floor, so no foundations to puddle up.
If I’m asked, I’ll quote for cable, back boxes and new accessories. I may even replace the plastic CU with an amendment 3 metal one.
It could be a good earner.

 

[Squid]

If the house is only 11 years old it may be better option to knock it down and start again.

 

[Toneyz]

If the house is only 11 years old it may be better option to knock it down and start again.

Yes, I'm sure that the insurance company is going to pay out for that to happen.

 

[PEG]

The house is same age as mine. 11 years. Timber framed. No alterations to existing wiring that I’m aware of so no junction boxes.
Concrete floor, so no foundations to puddle up.
If I’m asked, I’ll quote for cable, back boxes and new accessories. I may even replace the plastic CU with an amendment 3 metal one.
It could be a good earner.

Ahh...just recycle it,and get a new one

 

[buzzlightyear]

If the house is only 11 years old it may be better option to knock it down and start again.

build by the three little pigs !

 

[telectrix]

save the fish. take the water that they swim in till they get accclimatised.