What You Need To Know About Water in Light Fixtures

8/31/2022 (Permalink)

Light fixtures are the last place we expect to see water

Information on Water in Lighting Fixtures

Light fixtures are probably the last place you'd expect to see water, but it happens more often than you would think. As a homeowner in Lone Tree, CO, you need to know the risks of water in light fixtures, what to do about it, the causes, and how to prevent it.

Risks
Risks of such leaks include:

• Electrocution
• Electrical Fires
• Ceiling damage
• Ceiling collapse

What To Do
Because dealing with water in light fixtures is so dangerous, it is always best to call an electrician for help. Use your home's breaker box to shut off electricity immediately after discovering the leak, but do not touch the light switch, water, or light fixture. Water conducts electricity, so you could be electrocuted if you come into contact with any part of the circuit.
This flooding can also cause ceiling damage. You may notice the area dripping water or sagging. This could cause your ceiling to collapse. A water damage restoration specialist should be called to repair your ceiling as quickly as possible.

Causes
The main causes are water leaking from your air conditioning unit, a leaking pipe, bad weather, and overflowing toilets or sinks. If possible, stop the source of the leak by shutting off the water supply or turning off the faucet that is causing an overflow.

Prevention
Overflowing toilets and sinks are easily preventable. Make sure to keep an eye on running water in bathtubs, showers, and sinks, so that they do not overflow. If a toilet will not flush, do not flush it again, as this can cause it to overflow. Instead, plunge the toilet to clear blockages. Replacing air filters regularly can help avoid air conditioning leaks. If you notice your ceiling leaking at all during bad weather, have it checked as soon as possible to prevent more severe leaks later on. Installing leak detection systems and avoiding harsh, chemical cleaners can prevent leaking pipes.
When you do have water in light fixtures, being aware of the risks and what to do can help keep you safe and minimize damage to your home.