What is the rational behind replacing Romex in a flooded house? Two jurisdictions here in metro Atlanta are wanting HO"s to replace any Romex that got submerged during the recent flood. I'm having a tough time seeing the value in rewiring a brand new house just because the wires got wet. I can understand replacing devices, panels, etc.
There is little rationale.
Examining, redoing connections, yes.
Not all "Romex" has paper-filler and the paper-filler alone does not necessary cause problems. If the moisture is driven out on the long run and instead if just evaporating it migrates onto the exposed connections you MAY have a problem of shorting out. The water within the jacket would not be a problem for the non-metallic insulation. (Not designed or tested for the purpose, but it does not absorb water readily.)
If the installation is left alone for a couple of weeks and you see no evidence of water seeping out from underneath where the jacket is cut, no reason for replacement. As an extra measure you can seal the ends with foam or caulk. Open and clean all connections, splices, including wirenuts.
Anything that you can disassemble to the level contact access and can dry out and clean manually can be reused. So, wall switches and receptacles would be throw away.
Of course all of the above as an informed opinion, but in industry many things are reconditioned and reused after a flood.
