Our current approximate booking window for assessments and regular service.
St. Catharines flood recovery
Before you replace everything,
get a straight answer.
Floodwater can make heating and plumbing equipment unsafe, but a flooded basement does not automatically mean that every appliance needs to be replaced. We’ll assess what the water reached and explain what actually needs to happen next.
Call for an assessment
Currently booking approximately 1–2 days ahead
Help available now
Careful inspection,
without pressure to replace.
St. Catharines is part of V.A. Hoffman’s regular Niagara service area. We are currently helping local homeowners assess flood-affected furnaces, water heaters, boilers and plumbing equipment.
- Inspection by licensed plumbing, gas, HVAC and refrigeration technicians
- A plain explanation of what was affected—and what was not
- Written repair or replacement options
- Second opinions on quotes, rentals and financing proposals
- Quotes, invoices and equipment details that can support an insurance claim
We provide service documentation; coverage and reimbursement decisions remain with your insurer.
You may not have to wait weeks
Prompt help,
when equipment is available.
Often possible for standard water-heater replacement after we assess the site and confirm the correct equipment.
Timing depends on equipment availability, site conditions, required permits and the work identified during assessment.
If replacement is necessary
See a starting price
before deciding.
Our pricing guide shows brand-neutral starting prices for common natural-gas furnace, central air-conditioning and water-heater replacements. It can help you understand the likely range before comparing a replacement quote, rental or financing proposal.
Flood conditions, required remediation and damaged electrical, gas, venting, controls or duct components may affect the final installed price.
Safety first
Do not relight or energize equipment reached by water.
If standing water may be in contact with electrical equipment, do not enter the area. Contact your insurer and the appropriate utility or a qualified professional before attempting cleanup or restarting equipment.
Government agencies and utilities do not send salespeople door to door to sell furnaces or water heaters. You do not have to sign a replacement, rental or financing agreement on the spot.
Ontario door-to-door consumer guidanceStraight answers after a flood
Flooded Furnace +
Water Heater FAQ
My basement flooded. Does my furnace automatically need to be replaced?
No.
How high the water reached, which parts of the equipment were affected, the type of equipment and its condition all matter.
We’ll inspect it and explain what we found before recommending repair or replacement. A flooded basement does not automatically mean a new furnace.
I shut my furnace or water heater off before the water reached it. Can I turn it back on?
If there is any chance the equipment or its electrical, gas, venting or control components were reached by water, leave it off until it has been inspected.
If you’re not sure how high the water got, tell us approximately where it reached and we can help determine what needs to be checked.
Another contractor told me my equipment needs to be replaced. Can you give me a second opinion?
Absolutely.
We regularly provide second opinions on furnaces, water heaters and other mechanical equipment. We can inspect the equipment ourselves and give you a straightforward explanation of what we believe is safe to repair, return to service or replace.
You’re also welcome to show us another contractor’s quote or recommendation.
Do I need to make a decision right away?
Not necessarily.
If equipment has been affected by floodwater, it should remain off until it has been properly assessed. That does not mean you need to sign a replacement or financing agreement on the spot.
Get the equipment made safe, understand what was damaged, then make an informed decision.
How quickly can you come out?
Our current booking window for most assessments and regular service is approximately 1–2 days.
Depending on location and the day’s schedule, we may be able to help sooner.
Standard water-heater replacements can often be completed the same or next day once we have assessed the installation and confirmed the equipment required.
How quickly can you get a replacement furnace or water heater?
Availability changes, but we work with established local suppliers and manufacturers and can often source common equipment quickly.
Many standard tanked and tankless water heaters can be available within 24 hours. Furnace availability depends on the size, type and model required, but common equipment can often be sourced on a similar timeframe.
We’ll confirm availability before you commit to anything.
What brands do you install?
We install equipment from established manufacturers including Lennox, Napoleon, Continental and others depending on the application.
V.A. Hoffman is an authorized Lennox and Napoleon heating and air-conditioning dealer, and we also perform manufacturer warranty work.
We’ll recommend equipment based on the home and the job, not simply whatever happens to be sitting in the warehouse.
What warranty should I expect on replacement equipment?
Warranty coverage depends on the manufacturer and model.
Many of the furnaces and water heaters we install carry manufacturer warranty coverage of 5, 7 or 10 years, depending on the equipment and applicable registration requirements.
When comparing quotes, ask exactly what the warranty covers, how long it lasts, whether registration is required and who will handle warranty service if something goes wrong.
A warranty described simply as “2 years” may not tell you the whole story.
Are your technicians licensed to determine whether flood-affected gas equipment is safe?
Yes.
V.A. Hoffman is TSSA registered and our team includes licensed gas technicians, plumbers, HVAC technicians and refrigeration technicians.
If you are unsure whether a furnace, boiler, water heater or other gas appliance was affected, we can inspect it and explain the appropriate next step.
Can you provide paperwork for my insurance company?
Yes.
We can provide written quotes, invoices, equipment information and service documentation related to the work we perform.
Your insurance company ultimately determines what is covered or reimbursed, but we can provide documentation to support your claim.
Should I have my furnace serviced even if the water never reached it?
It can be a good idea, particularly if there was flooding or high moisture in the basement and you’re already unsure about the condition of the equipment.
It is also a convenient time to get annual maintenance out of the way before the heating season gets busy.
Our seasonal furnace clean and service is currently $139.95 + HST, regularly $149.95, and is available for all makes and models.
If everything looks good, we’ll tell you that too.
Talk to the shop
Unsure what the water reached?
Call us with the address, approximate water level and equipment involved. We’ll tell you what should be checked next.
905-834-3783