Ignoring Small Electrical Issues Leads to Major Repairs
Does your home have a light fixture that’s always flickering or a fuse that’s constantly tripping? Perhaps there’s a weird humming sound coming from one of your outlets, or maybe there’s an outlet in the garage that doesn’t work anymore.
These are examples of common “smaller” problems in a home that might seem like minor annoyances or inconveniences, but could actually be a symptom of a larger issue. Can ignoring these small electrical issues lead to major repairs? Yes, they can. Let’s find out how.
How Can a Small Electrical Issue Cause Major Damage?
A minor electrical problem is almost always a sign of a larger issue. Plugging too many devices into a single outlet (like having a power strip plugged into an outlet and plugging a second power strip into the first one, then loading both up with devices) can lead to an overloaded circuit.
When a circuit gets overloaded, it begins to overheat. The wires are insulated to prevent that heat from spreading into the walls and causing a fire. However, if that insulation is old or has been heated enough times, it may deteriorate. This can lead to a fire within the walls, which can be difficult to contain before it spreads.
A circuit breaker that trips frequently can be annoying, but it can also be a sign of an overload that might lead to major damage or even an electrical fire. No matter how small the issue might seem, it’s always a good idea to get it looked at by a professional to make sure it’s not the start of a potential catastrophe.
Guide to Small Electrical Issues and Associated Major Repairs
Don’t ignore the warning signs. What seems like a minor electrical inconvenience today could escalate into a dangerous and costly problem tomorrow. Below is a guide to common electrical symptoms, their root causes, and the serious consequences of delaying proper repairs.
Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore
- Burn marks or hot outlet covers may indicate overheated wiring behind your walls. Left unaddressed, this deteriorating insulation can spark an electrical fire that puts your home and family at risk.
- Flickering or dimming lights often point to faulty wiring connections. Beyond the annoyance, loose or damaged wiring creates conditions for electric shock or fire hazards that worsen over time.
- A breaker that constantly trips is your electrical system’s cry for help, usually signaling power surges or fluctuations. Continuing to reset the breaker without fixing the underlying issue can destroy your valuable appliances and electronics.
- Unexplained spikes in your energy bill frequently stem from deteriorating wiring that’s bleeding electricity. You’re literally paying for power that’s escaping through damaged connections instead of powering your home.
- Buzzing or humming sounds from your walls reveal overloaded circuits struggling under excessive demand. This stress on your electrical system can lead to dangerous arcing and potential fires.
Home Electrical Issue FAQs
Can Faulty Wiring Lower Home Values?
Yes, many insurance and home inspections involve checking the home’s electrical system, and the result can be higher premiums, lower assessment values, and lower sale prices if they determine the house’s wiring is an accident waiting to happen. A recent positive inspection, however, might increase the sale price and lower the premiums.
What Are the Most Common Signs of Electrical Issues?
Some of the most common signs of home electrical issues are lights that flicker or won’t come on even if the lightbulb is replaced, breakers or circuits that trip frequently, weird humming or buzzing noises coming from the walls or the electrical panel, and outlets that don’t consistently draw (enough) power.
Can Small Electrical Issues Cause Problems Other Than Home Damage?
Yes, small electrical issues can lead to decreased sleep, increased anxiety, and interference with your daily routine. If you try to charge your phone overnight and wake up to find out that the outlet’s inconsistent power supply means it didn’t charge fully or, in some cases, not at all, you could miss an important phone call or message.
My House was Up to Code 10 Years Ago; Could I Still Have a Problem?
Yes, even houses 10 years old or newer should have their electric systems checked regularly. Many states, like Florida, update their building codes every three years, which includes the electrical code. This means that a house that was built perfectly a few years ago may now be in danger, as new fire hazards and safety standards are discovered and developed regularly.
How Can an Electrician Help with Minor Electrical Problems?
First, the electrician will run a series of tests to identify the problem or problems present. They can then make sure everything gets fixed before that minor annoyance in your electrical system becomes a full-blown disaster.
Can I Do a DIY Repair or Should I Call the Professionals?
If you have extensive experience working with electricity or the issue is relatively minor (like changing a fuse or changing the number of devices plugged into an outlet), you can do it yourself. For anything else, it’s best to call the professionals. We’re not just saying that because we want your business – electricity can be extremely dangerous, even for professionals with years of experience.
Concerned About Your Home Electrical? Don’t Put Up With Any Malarky, Call Mister Sparky!
Even small electrical issues that starts out as “no big deal” or a “minor annoyance” can lead to huge problems later on and potentially require major repairs or even cause the home to catch on fire if the problem generates enough heat in the walls. These are the hardest fires to put out, as they can often spread between rooms before you even know they’ve started.
If you live in Clearwater, Florida, or the surrounding areas and you’re concerned about your home’s electrical situation, don’t put up any malarky – call Mister Sparky! At Mister Sparky’s Electrical, we make sure your home’s wiring is safe, in good condition, and isn’t in danger of causing massive damages that lead to expensive repairs.
