Water is Dripping from My Light Fixtures - What Now?

6/10/2019 (Permalink)

When you notice water in light fixtures in your Carrollton, TX home, you need to act, but safely

A drip in your home is never good. Sometimes the source is not so obvious, especially if water appears to be coming from a light fixture. This common occurrence poses a problem not only in finding the source, but in doing so safely. When you notice water in light fixtures in your Carrollton, TX home, you need to act, but safely. Here’s how.

How Does Water Get In There?

While they may appear solid, light fixtures are full of small gaps, cracks and crevices that may be necessary to make the device work. Unfortunately, those openings can also let water in if there’s an undetected leak from:

• A supply pipe
  
• A leaking toilet, shower or sink
  
• Water coming from your HVAC system
  
  

These sources of water in light fixtures can also cause ceiling damage and will ultimately need to be addressed to stop the problem.

What Are the Risks?

Water and electricity don’t mix, so the first thought in your head might be the destruction of your light fixture. Unfortunately, the problems are far bigger than that. Water is a conductor of electricity. That means it can carry the electrical current to whatever it touches. Water in a light fixture poses an immediate emergency because even touching the switch to power down can cause electrocution.

Power Down

As soon as you see water in a light fixture, turn off the electricity using your circuit breaker. A non-contact voltage tester can help you test that the electricity is off. Next, if you can readily see the source of the leak, turn off the water supply. Never touch the light fixture!
Water in light fixtures poses a serious concern and will require the help of a plumber or water damage specialist and even an electrician. Educate yourself about the risks and you’ll know what to do if you encounter this household emergency.