Water Damage & Your Fireplace: What Homeowners Should Know
When water enters your home, the damage you can see is usually what gets attention first. Wet flooring, damaged drywall, soaked furniture, and standing water are obvious priorities.
Your fireplace may not look damaged at all.
However, if water has reached your fireplace or the surrounding area, components inside the unit may also have been exposed. Before turning the fireplace back on, having it professionally inspected can help identify damage that isn't visible from the outside.
This is particularly important during Alberta’s summer storm season, when heavy rainfall, drainage problems, sewer backups, and basement flooding can leave homeowners dealing with unexpected water damage.
Can Water Damage a Gas Fireplace?
Yes. Gas fireplaces contain mechanical, electrical, and gas-related components that aren't designed to be submerged or exposed to significant amounts of water.
Depending on the fireplace and the extent of the water exposure, moisture may affect components such as the ignition system, gas controls, wiring, burner assembly, pilot assembly, and other internal parts.
Even after the surrounding area has dried, that doesn't necessarily mean the fireplace is ready to use again.
My Fireplace Looks Fine. Does It Still Need to Be Checked?
This is where homeowners can easily underestimate the effects of water damage.
A fireplace may look completely normal from across the room. The glass may be intact, the exterior may be dry, and there may be no obvious sign that water ever reached the unit.
The components that matter, however, are largely hidden.
Water exposure can contribute to corrosion, damaged electrical components, contaminated controls, or other problems that aren't immediately visible. Some issues may not become apparent until the fireplace is turned on.
If floodwater reached the fireplace itself, it's worth having the unit professionally assessed before attempting to operate it.
Don't Assume Dry Means Safe to Use
Allowing a fireplace to dry out is not the same as determining that it is safe to operate.
It's tempting to wait until everything appears dry and then turn the fireplace on to see whether it works. The problem with this approach is that simply starting doesn't confirm that every component is in appropriate condition.
A professional fireplace inspection can assess the unit for signs of water exposure and determine whether servicing or repairs are required before it is returned to regular use.
What Can a Fireplace Technician Look For?
The appropriate inspection will depend on the type of fireplace, where the water came from, and how much of the unit was affected.
A technician may assess the fireplace for:
Evidence of water intrusion
Corrosion or deterioration
Damage to ignition components
Pilot and burner condition
Electrical or control-system concerns
Gas control components
Venting concerns
Signs that parts require repair or replacement
Overall operation and safety
If damage is discovered, the technician can determine what needs attention rather than relying on trial and error.
What Should You Do After a Flood?
If you believe your fireplace was exposed to floodwater, avoid turning it on to test whether it still works.
Once the immediate water emergency has been addressed, include the fireplace among the home's affected systems and appliances that need to be evaluated.
If you're uncertain whether the unit was affected, explain what happened when booking your service appointment. This gives the technician important context before assessing the fireplace.
Fireplace Inspection and Repair in Edmonton
Flood cleanup doesn't always end when the floors are dry.
If your fireplace has been exposed to flooding or significant water intrusion, Alberta Fireplace Ltd. can inspect the unit and determine whether fireplace servicing or fireplace repair is needed before you use it again.
If water reached your fireplace, have it checked before you turn it back on.
