What To Do if You Find Water in Your Light Fixtures

8/19/2020 (Permalink)

Water coming out of your light fixture? No problem.

Your roof is the crowning element of your home and you expect that it will protect your family for the duration of your lifetime there. But sometimes a leak can occur because of lack of maintenance, a broken pipe in the ceiling or damage from a storm. A leak can cause all kinds of damage, but often the first indication of a problem is finding water in light fixtures.

What To Do If You Find Water in a Light Fixture

Discovering that water is dripping through a ceiling fixture can be the start of a nightmare, especially if it is not handled correctly. Here are some guidelines to help you understand some of the steps that need to be taken. If the damage is from a storm, you will need to have the roof repaired and have a water and mold restoration company come and check for wood rot or black mold in the crawlspace and have the roof repaired.

If you have water in light fixtures because of a broken pipe in the ceiling, the first thing you need to do is shut off the water main so it stops flooding. Turn off the electricity to that light fixture so you don’t get electrocuted – electricity and water can be a lethal mix!

What To Do Next

Once the power and water have been shut off, a SERVPRO technician should inspect for ceiling damage and help determine what is needed for repair. The sheetrock will likely need to come down and the crawl space dried thoroughly. Insulation and sheetrock may need to be replaced and the wiring needs to be evaluated for safety. The light fixture may need to be replaced as well, rather than risking electrical danger. Never overlook water in light fixtures, as it is a sign of something that needs to be checked out. Hoping it will just dry out and go away could be a serious mistake. Make sure your roof is in good repair and have your pipes inspected to help prevent future problems.