Can Electrical Wiring Be Water Damaged?

It’s common knowledge that electricity and water are a dangerous combination. So, it’s no surprise that one of the most common questions concerned homeowners ask is, “can electrical wiring be water damaged?” To answer this question,  Absolute Electrical Heating and Air will discuss everything you need to know about electrical wiring and water damage.

Water is one of the most damaging elements to any home. And despite people’s best efforts, calamities like flooding, storms, and burst pipes can happen without warning. If your home has been flooded or experienced any water damage, it’s crucial to have a professional inspect your electrical wiring as soon as possible. Now back to your question,

Can Electrical Wiring Be Water Damaged?

The answer is yes. But the damage may not come from the water only. Flood water, for instance, will bring in a lot of other contaminants like dirt,  gas, oil, and chemicals. All these substances can potentially damage and be a hazard to your home’s electrical system.

How Does Water Damage Your Home’s Wiring

Here are some of the most common water damages to your electrical wiring:

Corrosion – When water comes into contact with any metal, it causes corrosion that will interfere with the metal’s ability to conduct electricity.

Mold – If water seeps into your home’s electrical wiring, it can create an ideal environment for mold to grow. Mold can cause respiratory problems and also damage your home’s wiring.

Short circuits – If water comes into contact with live wires, it can cause a short circuit. This can be extremely dangerous as it can cause fires.

Fatal electric shocks – Water is a good conductor of electricity. If you come into contact with water that has been exposed to a live wire, there is a potential of receiving a fatal electric shock.

Damage to appliances – Due to the specific nature of electrical wiring, any damage can cause your devices to malfunction.

Warning Signs Of Water Damage To Electrical Wiring

Since electrical cables are usually concealed behind walls or ceilings, it can be challenging to spot damages. However, there are some warning signs you can look out for that indicate water damage to your home’s wiring:

Discoloration or rust on outlets or switches – If you see any discoloration or rust on your outlets or switches, it indicates that water may have caused corrosion in the metallic components of these parts.

Buzzing sounds – If you hear any buzzing sounds from your outlets or switches, it indicates a damaged wiring system.

Circuit breakers that keep tripping – When your circuit breakers trip frequently, this is also a leading indicator of damage to your wiring.

Electrical Test

Once you observe any of these warning signs in your home, it’s essential to have a professional conduct an electrical test. An electrical test will help determine the extent of the damage and what needs to be done to repair it. From hand-held volt-ohm meters (VOMs) to full insulation resistance (IR) testing, an expert can accurately test your home’s wiring to ensure it is safe.

Once the damage has been assessed, the next step is to start the repair process. Repairs will vary depending on the extent of the damage. Here are some of the most common repairs that are done:

Non-exposed wires – If water accidentally contacts non-exposed wires, the damage will most likely be minimal. In this case, let the water dry naturally, and if there are any plugged-in appliances in the area, unplug them until the wires are completely dry.

Exposed Wires – If you notice that exposed wires have come into contact with water, please stay away from the area as there is a potential of receiving an electric shock. Your only action is to switch off the main power to your home and contact a professional to assess the damage. Please do not attempt to fix this yourself, as it can be hazardous.

Water coming out from plug outlets – If you see water coming out from any of your plug outlets, this is a serious indication of damage to your wiring. Immediately switch off the main power and unplug all appliances.

Water damage to an electrical system is hazardous and should be repaired by a professional as soon as possible. If you see any warning signs in your home, don’t hesitate to contact an expert to conduct an electrical test. The test will help determine the extent of the damage and what needs to be done to repair it. In the meantime, switch off the main power to your home and unplug all appliances. Do not try to fix the issue yourself, as it can be extremely dangerous.