How To Handle A Leaking Light Fixture

12/28/2020 (Permalink)

Water and light fixtures are a dangerous combination

Here Is What To Do Instead Of Trying To Fix It Yourself

Short of a burst pipe or overflowing dishwasher that suddenly floods your home, water damage is often difficult to detect until extensive damage has occurred. One clue that you may discover first is pooling water in light fixtures. If you see this in your home, do not try to fix it yourself. Water conducts electricity, so water and light fixtures are a dangerous combination. 

1. Turn Off Electricity and Water
Since you can't know the full extent of the ceiling damage and how much of your electrical system has been compromised, turn off the power to that affected region of the house as well as the water supply. Turning off the water supply will prevent additional water from building up in the light fixture. Alert anyone living in your household to the danger that you've discovered so that no one flips the breaker and gets hurt.

2. Call A Water Damage Specialist
A local water damage remediation specialist in Brookhaven, GA will be able to help you determine the extent of water damage in your home. They have special tools that allow them to measure the wetness levels in ceilings and drywall so that they know which areas need to be addressed rather than tearing down walls only to discover that there is no damage.

3. Work with an Electrician
Once a water damage remediation team has evaluated your home, they will be able to connect you with an electrician who can handle the water in light fixtures. The electrician will be able to safely remove and replace the fixtures as well as any wiring that has been compromised.
It seems ironic to advise that burns and electrocution are possible dangers of water in light fixtures, but those are most certainly safety hazards that you might face. Allow the professionals to handle this water damage cleanup for the safety of you and your family.