What Happens When Water Comes in Contact with Electrical Wiring?

An electrical system is a complex assemblage of switches, circuits, plugs, and wires. Only licensed, professional electricians should inspect, maintain, or repair electrical wiring.

Water seeps into electrical wiring through damaged wire insulation, causing the wiring to degrade over time. Corroded electrical wires are a fire hazard, especially if water is present. Once water penetrates an electrical system, it will require professional water damage restoration services to restore function.

Signs Of Water Damage to Electrical Wiring

In most homes, electricians install electrical wiring behind walls and ceilings. Because the wiring is concealed, the signs of water damage are difficult to detect at the onset. There are some warning signs associated with water damage to electrical wiring.

If you experience any of the following, turn off the electrical power at the source and call an electrician:

Buzzing or humming sounds coming from light fixtures, switches, or outlets

Circuit breaker tripping repeatedly
Any plugged-in, submerged electrical device
Water running out of a light fixture or switch or down the wall
A plug outlet that has water running in or out
A burst water pipe or flood

Water Damage Restoration and Repair

Water infiltration presents serious consequences, and water damage restoration is a vital component of recovery after a flood.

Water damage restoration should start within 48 hours to prevent long-term damage and potential health risks associated with standing water. If left untreated, still water becomes contaminated and leads to mold growth and further damage.

Water damage and mold remediation protocols to repair and restore water damaged property include:

Inspect and assess to determine the degree of damage and moisture penetration
Remove water using a professional-grade vacuum and pump to extract floodwater from the premises quickly
Dry and dehumidify the remaining moisture with specialized equipment
Clean, sanitize, and deodorize all salvageable furniture and structures
Restore property and items to a pre-damage condition

Depending on the extent of the damage, the restoration process may include repairs such as replacing carpeting and drywall, or reconstruction of certain areas of the property, including electrical wiring

How to Prevent Mold Growth

Preventing mold growth after a water event requires rapid measures by a professional water damage restoration company. Moisture fosters mold growth. Addressing the water damage immediately drastically reduces the likelihood of mold growth.

Not all mold is life-threatening. However, some types of molds produce harmful toxins that can spread throughout an entire building in as little as 48 hours.

Mold scenarios vary and require a process of remediation. SERVPRO of Corpus Christi East is a licensed mold remediation company with dedicated mold removal technicians on staff.

Contact SERVPRO of Corpus Christi East

Water damage disrupts daily life and, if left untreated, poses possible health and financial consequences. Water damage recovery is possible with quick action and top-notch emergency service from a licensed professional water damage restoration team like SERVPRO of Corpus Christi East, located in Flour Bluff, Corpus Christi, TX.

SERVPRO works with insurance companies and will assist with claims processing the paperwork.

Contact SERVPRO of Corpus Christi East at (361) 985-6444 for professional water damage restoration and flood cleanup services to protect and restore electrical wiring.