Floods can be disastrous for homeowners and everyone else, too. It is not a pleasant word to begin with. When you think of floods, your mind automatically thinks of damage. One major damage caused by the flood is electrical damage. Electrical damage can cause appliance malfunction, reduced voltage, electricity fluctuation, or complete loss of power.
It is known that water and electricity do not go hand in hand. But how to handle electrical issues after flood damage. We, as a professional flood restoration company, present you with super helpful flood restoration tips. You can also search flood restoration near me to get in touch with us. We provide surety of our finest post-flood restoration services.
Electrical Issues After Flood Damage
Flood water causes damage to the electrical wiring, devices, and equipment, such as:
- Corrosion and Rust
- Short Circuits
- Appliance failure/damages
- Insulation Damage
- Mold Growth
You need to get a certified electrician to come to your home to have electrical checks. The instant your home is safe to enter, get an assessment done. Initially, you might feel that my home is unaffected by the flood water; delayed or hidden damages may appear later.
How to Handle Electrical Issues After Flood Damage
Flood water proves to be disastrous for electrical devices, resulting in various electrical issues. Water can seep into the sockets and appliances. Floods can cause rust and corrosion in wires, leading to short circuits. So, before you go back to normal, check the electrical devices and plugs to avoid any damage. Here is a list of a few electrical checks you need to get after flood damage:
1. Turn Off Power Sources
First and foremost, turn off the power supply. You don’t want to get electrocuted. If any dampness or moisture exists in the fuse box, do not touch that.
Do not enter any area that has water above the electrical socket/outlet level.
For safety purposes, switch off all appliances, devices, and switches. By doing so, you will safeguard yourself and the electrical devices, too.
Keep a torch by your side while entering the flooded property since the power supply will be turned off.
2. Examine Outlets and Switches
If the area is clear, it means no flood water is remaining. Then it’s time to check the electricity outlets and switch. Search for any signs of deterioration, namely discoloration, frayed wires, or rust. If you see any, replace that outlet with a new one. These visual indicators can save you time and energy in recognizing the damage.
Working with old, water-damaged electricity outlets is not advised here. You will be exposing your own self and your beloved clan in danger by not replacing the switches.
When checking the switches, do not forget to examine all the circuit breakers for proper functionality. Close scrutiny is advised as it is a sensitive issue.
3. Drying out
If there is any switch or outlet that has been exposed to moisture, it is essential to dry it out. You may use a fan, dryer, towel, or dehumidifier for drying. Do not use the switches while they are wet at all costs.
4. Check Appliances
All the electric appliances, like refrigerators, microwave ovens, rice cookers, etc., need to be tested before putting to work. Call a reliable electrician for appliance testing so the electrical damage is handled by a professional. They will provide you with PAT testing so you know which appliances are good to go and which need to be replaced.
Individually test each appliance to verify its usability. If you notice any malfunctions, repair them ASAP or replace them. It is indispensable to deliver a safe user experience. A faulty appliance can give an electric shock.
5. Seek Professional Inspection
We instruct you to contact a certified electrician for the inspection of outlets, appliances, switches, and circuit breakers. Professionals will present an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) stating the current condition of your wiring system. It is an in-depth analysis that tells you if it’s minor damage that can be resolved with replacement or repair or if it needs rewiring.
Conclusion
How to handle electrical issues after flood damage? Conclusively, we state that handling the electrical issues after flood damage is the work of a professional electrician. You need to keep yourself safe and vigilant. Avoid touching anything wet with electricity. Turn off the main power supply, call a professional for inspection, examine outlets & switches, evaluate appliances, and dry out plugs to keep yourself safe and unharmed.