Prevent Electrical Fires: Addressing Water Damage Quickly

 
water damage electrical system

Whether from leaks, burst pipes, or natural disaster flooding, water damage poses a significant threat to your home. Behind your home’s walls, water damage may infiltrate your electrical system and is consequently a major risk factor. Learn about the safety concerns of electrical system water damage as well as how an emergency electrician from Express Electrical can assist with safety inspections, rewiring after water damage, electrical panel replacement, and other critical concerns.

The Hidden Dangers of Water Damage to Electrical Systems

Water and electricity are a dangerous combination — when water infiltrates electrical systems, it can cause various problems and severe safety hazards, such as:

  • Corrosion: Water exposure leads to corrosion and rust on wires, circuit breakers, electrical panels, and other metal components. This deterioration may result in reduced operation and increased risk of electrical faults and fires.
  • Short circuits: When water comes into contact with live wiring, it creates a short circuit that causes power to surge and damage to connected devices and electronics.
  • Ground faults: Through component deterioration or increased moisture, water damage can cause electricity to travel by unintended paths, increasing the risk of electrocution and electrical fire.

Electrical fires associated with water damage are especially dangerous since they’re often obscured behind walls or appliances, making them difficult to detect. A small spark can quickly escalate to an inferno by spreading through nearby electrical equipment. Since water conducts electricity and causes shocks, it’s not a viable extinguisher for electrical fires.

Leaky Pipes: A Common Culprit

It doesn’t take significant flooding or burst pipes to cause electrical damage. Leaky pipes can cause electrical damage by dripping water onto the wires, damaging the insulation or coming into contact with an exposed part of the wire, causing a short circuit or arcing.

Watch for these signs of leaky pipes and associated electrical fire hazards:

  • Flickering lights
  • Malfunctioning appliances
  • Sparks from outlets or appliances
  • Water stains on walls or ceilings
  • Mildew or mold growth
  • Tripped circuit breakers
  • Burning smells
  • Visible corrosion on outlets and wiring

Immediate Actions After Discovering a Leak

Leaks, floods, or other water hazards may significantly increase the risk of electrical fire and shock. Follow these steps if you discover a leak or other water damage near your electrical equipment:

  • Turn off the power: If you suspect that water has entered your electrical system, turn off the power supply by flipping the main breaker at your panel if it’s safe to do so. If you’re unsure, contact an electrician first.
  • Avoid contact: To avoid electrocution, don’t touch electrical items in where there is excess moisture or walk through standing water near electrical outlets.
  • Call a professional: Water-damaged systems require inspection and repair by licensed electricians.
  • Use battery-powered devices: If necessary, use battery-operated equipment while waiting for inspections or repairs.

The Importance of a Professional Electrical Inspection

Whether routine visits or a diagnostic service following water exposure remediation, professional electrical system inspections minimize electrical fire and shock risk. Your electrician can look for signs of electrical damage caused by water exposure and recommend repairs, preventative measures, and waterproofing strategies.

Electrical Repairs and Restoration After Water Damage

If your electrician finds water damage during their electrical safety inspection, they’ll likely suggest and perform repairs. They may replace wiring, outlets, and other damaged or corroded parts as well as install waterproofing solutions to ensure safe operation. Following electrical repairs and upgrades, they’ll test and inspect your system to confirm its proper function.

While DIY repairs may seem cost-effective and tempting, electrical work should be left to professionals. Professional electrical repair for water damage comes with benefits such as:

  • Compliance: Local regulations and permits generally require licensed electricians for compliant repairs.
  • Safety: Knowledgeable electricians utilize safe practices to minimize the risk of associated injuries or property damage.
  • Expertise: Licensed electricians possess expert skills and experience to ensure quality workmanship.
  • Warranty or insurance violation: DIY electrical repairs may void warranties or insurance policies for various equipment and devices in your home.
  • Cost-effectiveness: While potentially more costly than DIY fixes, professional repair provides a safe, long-term solution and prevents mistakes that may lead to further costly repairs.

Preventing Water Damage and Electrical Hazards

Proactive measures help avoid water damage and minimize the risk of associated electrical fires, electrocution, and other hazards.

Periodic inspections

Regularly inspect your home for signs of water damage or intrusion, such as pipe leaks near your plumbing fixtures or water seeping in through poorly sealed areas. Check and maintain your gutters and downspouts to properly drain water away from your home’s structures and electrical equipment.

Avoid overloading circuits

Overloaded circuits cause overheating and electrical fires. They often stem from using too many high-powered devices on a single circuit, relying on extension cords, and misusing power bars. Avoid overloading the circuits by spacing devices and appliances across multiple outlets and using safety-rated power strips and surge protectors. If you have too few outlets, consider upgrading your system to handle more outlets and a higher electrical load.

Waterproof your system

GFCI outlets, wire insulation upgrades, waterproof boxes, and elevated components are all ways to strengthen your electrical system’s protection against water intrusion.

Schedule routine electrical inspections

Electrical work is complex and hazardous, requiring an experienced skillset and industry-standard tools and techniques. Rather than performing DIY repairs, hiring a licensed electrician for repairs and installations provides reliability and peace of mind.

Protect Your Home With Express Electrical in Los Angeles

Water damage presents notable risk to your electrical system, and acting fast helps keep your home safe. At Express Electrical, trust our team of 24-hour electricians to assist with everything from electrical system repair to whole-home rewiring. Contact us or schedule a service online.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can water damage permanently ruin my electrical system?

If left unaddressed, water damage may cause malfunctioning devices, equipment deterioration, and other problems that may ruin your electrical system long-term.

Do I need GFCI outlets?

The NEC and local electrical codes generally require GFCI outlets in moisture-prone areas, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms.