How To Deal with Water Dripping From a Light Fixture

1/19/2022 (Permalink)

Once you're sure the electricity is off, undo the cover of the light fixtures and drain away any water.

What To Do If A Light Fixture Is Dripping Water

If you've had water damage in your Mirrormount, WA, home, whether from a severe storm or a broken pipe, you might have flooding on the first or second story that could cause ceiling damage. This can lead to other problems, such as water in light fixtures, which poses a serious danger of:

• Shock injuries
  
• Electrical shorts
  
• Breakers popping
  
• Electrical fires

So what should you do if water is dripping from a light fixture?

1. Inspect the Ceiling

If you see water in a light fixture, look for water pooling around nearby fixtures, as more than one may be saturated. Make sure you've found all the affected areas before proceeding to the next step.

2. Turn off the Electricity

Next, turn off the electricity to eliminate any danger of electrocution. Make sure you turn off the circuit breaker and not just the wall switch! Once you're sure the electricity is off, undo the cover of the light fixtures and drain away any water. Then, take a towel and soak up any excess water.

3. Turn off the Water

If the damage has been caused by a plumbing problem such as a broken pipe or a backed-up toilet, turn the water off. This will not only stop the water from dripping through the fixture, but may prevent the ceiling from becoming saturated and collapsing.

4. Call a Professional

Once you've turned off the water and electricity, it's probably a good idea to contact a professional water restoration company. Trying to tackle this problem on your own may not be a good idea, as there can be hidden problems that could cause more damage, not to mention safety issues with the electrical repairs. The restoration technicians can come out immediately to assess the situation. They have the experience and specialized equipment to make a thorough, safe repair.

Having water in a light fixture is not something you ever want to have to deal with. But if you follow the tips outlined above, you'll know how to safely handle it if it ever happens.