Water Damage and Your Home's Electrical System
Any time water and electricity come in contact, there will always be a danger. When the water comes from a flood, it can worsen the situation because more electrical components are likely to be damaged by the standing water. It's common for water and electricity to go hand in hand. Many people only think about getting electrocuted by electrical wires, but there are other issues that you should consider. Thousands of people die each year from exposure to water and electricity. Moreover, some homes have had the chance to be saved from a flood or leak if the appliance was replaced before it received too much water damage. Don’t risk your safety when you have a water and electricity exposure concern. Contact us at Tidal Wave Response for rapid water damage removal.
What Happens When Water Touches Electricity?
Water and electricity are a dangerous combination. When water comes in contact with electricity, an electrical current is generated, which can cause serious injuries or even death. This is why it's important to avoid getting shocked by turning off all electrical devices before dealing with leaky pipes or flooding.
Fire Hazards
The most common cause of fire in homes is water damage. When water floods a building, it can create a conductive path between two points, causing a short circuit. The electrical current will travel along the path of least resistance, usually through the ground or to another piece of metal. This can result in an electrical fire that could spread quickly and cause significant damage.
Short Circuit and Appliance Damage
A short circuit in the electrical system can cause sparks, which can start a fire. The sparks will burn through the wires, causing them to break and fall apart. This can create holes in the wires' insulation, allowing water to seep into them. Short circuits also cause appliances to break or stop working properly because there is no longer enough electricity flowing through them. When this happens, it is important to call an electrician as soon as possible so that they can repair any damage done by the short circuit before it causes any further problems for you or your family.
Injuries
Drowning is one of the leading causes of death due to water damage. If you aren’t careful when entering a flooded area, you could easily fall into a hole, slip on some debris, and get trapped underwater. Even if you’re not trapped underwater, the force of rushing water can be powerful enough to knock you over and injure your body in many other ways.
Death
When dealing with any type of flood, it is easy for you to get submerged in it. If you do not know how to swim, there is no way out. You may die because of suffocation, drowning in water, or hypothermia if exposed to cold temperatures while trying to escape the flood waters.
Avoid Getting Shocked
When you are dealing with an electrical wiring problem, there are chances that you might get shocked by electricity while trying to repair the damaged wires. This can lead to severe burns and other internal injuries that may require immediate medical attention.
Replace Electrical Components
Replace any electrical components that may have had access to water. You need to reduce the risk of potential fires and electrical surges. Water can also cause surges in your home's electrical supply. These surges are dangerous because they may burn out circuit breakers or other components in your home's electrical system.
When To Call Tidal Wave Response
Electrical repairs and fire damage restoration should be left to professionals. Before you decide to get involved and attempt any electrical or fire damage repairs on your own, do your research on what the best way to proceed will be. If it's too late for that, and you need professional help, you can call Tidal Wave Response for help with any type of water damage restoration, whether it's due to flooding, leaks, or plumbing issues.
