Updated at: 16-07-2022 - By: cnbusinessnews

For safety’s sake, learn how to fix water-damaged plug sockets so that you don’t have to deal with the consequences later. We can’t avoid water leaks if we position plug connections near our workstations. Water damage might also occur to our plug sockets under terrible circumstances.

Because we’ve got your back, it may be difficult for you to fix this problem on your own. If your plug sockets have been damaged by water, keep reading to learn how to fix them.

What Causes A Water Damage On Plug Sockets?

Because water damage can be deadly, it’s critical to understand what causes it. Water damage can occur for a variety of reasons in a home or workplace. These are some examples:

1. Damaged water pipes

It is possible for water pipes to burst due to high water pressure, freezing temperatures, and rust. If there are water leaks on the wall, they could impact the plug sockets on those walls.

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2. House floods

Flooding is a common hazard in the wake of strong rainstorms. Ground-level or floor-level outlets may be affected by these floods.

3. Roof leaks

Roof leaks are also a common side effect of thunderstorms. Water can seep into your home if the roof of your house has been damaged by heavy rains and the storm is approaching. Electrical outlets in your home may become contaminated as a result of roof leaks.

4. Accidental water leaks

Water spills near plug sockets happen all the time, and we have no control over it. This is a common occurrence in the home, particularly in the kitchen and the bathroom. When you wash your face in the bathroom, you may accidentally drop a glass of water or splash some on yourself, or you may get a socket wet from freshly washed dishes.

To avoid water damage, it is essential to be aware of these potential causes. That way, you’ll be able to come up with the finest ways to solve problems. To avoid water leaks, you can also prevent them from happening.

How Do You Repair A Water Damaged Plug Socket?

After learning about the numerous sources of water damage, it’s time to learn how to deal with flooded plug sockets. Follow these actions to get your issue resolved.

Step #1. Turning off the GFCI outlet

This is when GFCI outlets or Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI) come into play. When they detect an electrical imbalance or a power interruption, GFCI outlets should shut off automatically. There are, however, instances in which they fail to fulfill their purpose.

If there is a lot of water splashed on GFCI outlets, they may not switch off automatically. You’ll have to do it yourself then. To do this action, hold down the test and reset buttons on the outlet at the same time.

You can use digital voltage meters to see if the GFCI outlet has already shut off. A professional electrician could also be a good option for you.

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Step #2. Shutting off the breaker box

In order to prevent further damage, it is still necessary to turn off the GFCI outlet. Turning off the main breaker is necessary if your home has multiple water-damaged plug sockets.

If there is only one broken socket, you can easily shut it off by finding the breaker for it. If your breakers are labeled, this operation will be a breeze. In the absence of a breaker, you will have to turn it all off at once until you identify the one for the faulty socket.

As part of this process, you’ll want to enlist the assistance of electricians. Voltage meters can also be used to verify that the power has been shut off fully. But if you are unsure, you may want to wait for additional help.

Step #3. Drying the water damaged outlet

Finally, consider whether you need to dry out your plug socket or if it needs to be replaced. However, keep in mind that if the socket is still wet, you should not touch it.

If the damage is slight, you can let it dry without fixing it. The extent of the water damage determines how quickly sockets dry out. You should replace the plug socket as soon as you see significant water damage.

Professional electricians can assist you with the replacement if you so choose. In any case, inquire about their insurance and license status. Ask about their insurance coverage so that you don’t end up footing the bill for them if something goes awry.

What Will Happen If Water Leaks On Your Plug Socket?

If you see any signs of water damage, you should take care of it as soon as possible. If you don’t, you run the risk of electrocution or electric shock, which can result in severe burns. Severe electric shocks can be fatal in some cases.

Additionally, short circuits can occur if an object is plugged into a moist socket. Electrical fires can be ignited by short circuits, which are electrical failures.

Electrical Outlet Maintenance

Test Outlets

Investing in an outlet tester might help you stay on top of any issues with specific outlets (or electrical receptacle tester). Various testers are provided for various types of sockets. These easy-to-use, low-cost devices just plug into an outlet and alert you to any potential issues. A simple diagnostic checklist can be used to rate the outlet’s performance. Regularly inspecting your outlets will help you avoid electrical fires and discover small problems before they become major ones.

Check All Outlets

Keep in mind that all of your home’s electrical outlets, even those in pantries, attics, and behind furniture, need to be maintained. You should also check the outdoor outlets on your patio, walls, and garage, because they may be plugged in as well. The fact that these outlets can ignite electrical fires even if you never use them should serve as a warning. For the sake of your family’s safety, be sure that all of your outside receptacles have been fitted with GFCIs.

Check All Electrical Plates

Signs that your home’s electrical wiring may need to be changed were highlighted in a recent blog article by our team. Discolored electrical outlets and light switch plates were among the indicators. Light switches and other electrical wall plates do not have commercial testing devices, but each plate should be examined when you perform maintenance on your outlets. Additionally, defective cables might harm switches, dimmer controls, coaxial cable, phone and audio/video plates. Look for any cracks, discolouration or burn marks on each plate. Plates that have been damaged by aging will need to be replaced (yellowing or cracking). Call an electrician if you notice any evidence of burning on a plate in your kitchen.

Replace Damaged Wiring

Testing outlets is not always accurate, but it is a good starting point for troubleshooting. If a reading indicates that an outlet requires repair, you should look into it immediately. Even though replacing outlet wires isn’t difficult, it’s best to have a professional do it for you. A “how-to” YouTube video on electrical repair isn’t going to cut it when it comes to the real thing. Please contact a qualified technician as soon as you notice an issue with your tester’s results.

If you live in an older home, it’s a good idea to perform regular maintenance inspections on your electrical outlets. Like regular HVAC maintenance, these inspections can save you money in the long run by catching tiny problems before they become big ones. Outlet maintenance, on the other hand, can go a long way toward preventing potentially harmful consequences. Regardless of whether or not you find an issue with one of our outlets, please don’t hesitate to call us at (713) 255-8355. With one of our licensed electricians, we can conduct a full inspection.

5 electrical outlet safety tips every homeowner should know.

1. Updating your outlets

It’s time to upgrade your home’s electrical outlets if you still have the basic two-prong plugs. GFCI outlets or three-prong outlets should be installed. Electrical shock can be avoided by using GFCI outlets. In the event that an outlet is exposed to water or any other detected threat, the power will be shut off immediately. Do not put them in places where they will be exposed to water. Additionally, GFCI outlets should be installed on all outdoor outlets in order to protect against electrocution.

2. Checking cords and covers regularly

Look over the device first before plugging in. Damaged cords, especially those with exposed wires, should be replaced right away. Checking all outlet covers once a year is also a good rule of thumb. Check to see if they still protect the wires and are properly fastened to the wall. You’ll want to repair a damaged cover if you come across one. You should also call an electrician if any of the wires are hot, charred, or humming.

3. Not overloading an outlet

Just how much power does your house have? You won’t believe this, but there is a solution. This means that you’ve tried to use more electricity than you could. If you’ve ever tried to use a hairdryer, vacuum, or space heater, only to have the power go out, you’ve tried to use too much electricity. Because circuit breakers are so reliable, a shutdown like this can usually be avoided. However, it’s better to avoid overloading yourself rather than relying on others to do it for you. In order to prevent an outlet from becoming overloaded…

  • Plug major appliances into a separate socket on the wall.
  • Avoid having too many things running at once. The TV should be turned off while you’re sweeping your living room, for example
  • Switch to LED or CFL light bulbs if you want to save money on electricity.
  • Extra outlets can be installed by hiring an electrician.

4. Unplugging cords slowly and safely

Grab the plug’s base and slowly take it out after you’re done using it. Tugging may seem like a simple solution, but if done too far away or at an angle, it can cause damage to the outlet or even destroy wires. Taking those chances isn’t even close to being worth it. In the event of a storm, disconnect these 7 electronic devices.

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5. Childproofing outlets

It doesn’t matter how many toys your children have if you’re a parent. Electrical outlets are typically more interesting to curious children. Electrical outlet safety is critical because of this. Plugs with plastic prongs are a great way to keep your child safe. So that kids can’t get at them, they’ll fit perfectly inside the outlet. Adults can easily remove them, too, for your convenience. You can save money by purchasing these plugs in quantity and paying a lower per-unit cost.

Conclusion

Repairing water-damaged plug sockets is a good idea. You’ll be able to protect your family from potentially perilous circumstances this way. Repairing it now can help you avoid more dangers because you know how to remedy it.