Water Degrades the Electrical Integrity of a Home

It is no secret that water and electricity do not mix. Water has the power to severely damage electrical wiring, to the point that it will no longer function the way it is supposed to. If you recently experienced an accidental flood in your home, you will need to invest in the replacement of your electrical wiring. This aspect of your flood restoration will keep your home safe after the disaster. Let’s take a look at how water degrades the electrical integrity of a home so you can understand the true value of electrical restoration.

What Water Does to Electrical Wiring

When electrical wiring is exposed to water, it can corrode or short out. The electricity flowing through the wires is essentially a stream of tiny sparks, much like what you might see if you connect two live wires together. If moisture gets into the system, the sparks will burn out and no longer send the signals necessary to power your home. That is why it is important to work with a professional restoration company to replace all of your electrical wires after a flood.

Water Damage Is Not Always Instantaneous

Most people assume that an electrical component that works after a flood is going to work forever, but that is not always the case. In fact, many wires might last months untreated before they finally blow out. The wiring may be subject to mildew in your home, which can take a while to build up. That is why you have to be cautious and replace the wires early on.

Some Products Are Designed to Fight Water

There are some electrical products that are made to stand up against water. These are usually marked as “THWN” or “XHHW” products. If your wires, appliances, or other electrical components are designed to withstand water damage, you may not need to get them replaced. Just note that the moisture built up in the walls may still cause them to short out over time.

How to Prevent Water Damage to Electrical Wiring

To protect the electrical integrity of your home, look for signs of excess moisture in the house. These include mold spores, high humidity levels, difficulty breathing, and condensation where it does not belong. Correct any leaks or other issues that may be causing the moisture to build up, and get your home inspected regularly. You should also watch for possible causes of house floods, like cracking pipes in the winter or leaky roofing. Remodel any parts of your home that may threaten your electricity, and you will be in good shape for the future.