In today’s blog, the emergency electrical experts 4-Star Electric will go over the best ways to safeguard your electrical system from flooding including inspections and other preventative measures.
Being so close to the Bow River and other major water ways, flooding is an ever-present concern for Calgary residents; especially during heavy rainfall or spring snowmelts. And flooding can wreak havoc on more than just your home’s foundation. Your electrical systems are also vulnerable.
Water exposure can pose risks such as electrical fires, power outages and costly damage to critical components such as panels. The good news? With the right preventative measures in place, you can help safeguard your home’s electrical systems, reduce damage severity and keep your home lit, cozy and safe.
In today’s blog, the knowledgeable emergency electricians at 4-Star Electric will walk you through the essential steps to flood proof your electrical systems, no matter what the seasons bring.
Let’s begin!
Understanding the Risks of Water Damage
To better understand how to prevent water damage, we must understand how it can negatively affect our systems, for example:
When water comes in contact with electrical components such as wiring, outlets, or your electrical panel it can cause short circuits, which increase the risk of electrical fires.
Continuous moisture can also corrode wires and connections over time, making them unstable, leading to system failures.
System failures lead to power outages and equipment damage, which can affect other critical systems in your home such as your heating and cooling equipment and even your tankless water heater, so it’s important to not take these risks lightly.
Conducting A Risk Assessment - The Importance of Electrical Inspections
If you’re worried about flooding or the condition of your electrical system, the best course of action is to schedule a comprehensive electrical inspection with our friendly team!
Here’s what you can expect when you call us in!
Evaluation / Inspection
Your licensed electrical will conduct a thorough walk through of your home to visually inspect your electrical system, checking panels, outlets, switches and wiring for signs of damage or outdated equipment.
Your electrician will then perform a more thorough inspection including voltage levels, testing circuit breakers and verifying functionality.
They will then review your system against local electrical codes and safety standards, including checking for proper grounding, or for GFCI outlets.
Finally, they will identify potential safety hazards such as exposed wiring.
Once the inspection is complete your electrician will do a complete inspection to ensure quality workmanship. You can have total confidence in our team, we provide the highest quality repair services, and we’re proud to offer industry-leading repair and replacement guarantees, as well as 100% satisfaction guarantees.
Recommendation
Your electrician will then provide a detailed report outlining the condition of your electrical system, noting any code violations, safety concerns, risk of flooding or areas needing improvement.
They will then recommend upgrades or repairs to ensure code compliance and safety, before providing you with a detailed cost and timeline estimate so you can better prepare for any installation or repair service.
Electrical inspections are often required for insurance purposes, so it’s a good idea to have our findings handy should you need to file a claim, post flood.
Waterproofing Your Home
One of the best ways to keep water from reaching too far into your home is to install either a backflow valve or a sump pump to help prevent flood water from entering your electrical systems.
These devices are designed to block and drain water flow, ensuring that sewer and storm water can’t back up into your home during periods of heavy rain or flooding.
Proper installation and maintenance is key to their effectiveness and should be done by a professional to ensure they are working properly.
Create An Electrical Safety Plan
After your inspection has been completed and areas of concern have been identified, we recommend creating an electrical safety plan to help protect all essential components.
This plan could include when to call your utility company, when to call a professional electrician, identifying and staying away from outlets and live wires, and making sure kids don’t touch connected appliances and devices. Finally it should also include a reminder to call 9-1-1 if anyone has been electrocuted or there if a fire is present.
It’s also important to include step by step instructions on how to disconnect power to your home in case of emergencies.
If you need any help creating a safety plan, post-inspection, let us know, your electrician can help walk you through everything while at your residence.
Emergency Actions To Take
If you believe you are experiencing an electrical emergency, during or after a flood, don’t panic! When problems arise that need immediate attention, you can rest assured you’re in good hands with 4-Star Electric.
When we arrive, we will provide immediate action to stabilize the situation, including temporary repairs, isolating faulty circuits or implementing safety measures. Once that is complete, we will discuss long-term solutions.
Your emergency electrician will then proceed with the necessary repairs, working quickly to ensure the safety and functionality of your home’s system.
After the emergency service has been completed, we will conduct a thorough inspection to ensure quality workmanship.
We’re proud to offer emergency service in the greater Calgary area, paired with industry-leading repair and replacement guarantees and a 100% satisfaction guarantee, so call us today!
Flooding can pose a serious threat to your home’s electrical systems, but with the right preventative measures such as inspections and plans in place, you can help protect your home and your family from electrical emergencies. Don’t wait for the next heavy rain or snow fall to take action, reach out to the experts at 4-Star Electric today for peace of mind, rain or shine!
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifies as an electrical emergency?
If you see or experience any of the electrical issues below, call a 4-Star Electric emergency service electrician immediately:
- Exposed live wires
- Water in contact with electrical components
- Power outage throughout your entire home
- Sparks or smoke coming from your outlets.
Our electrical experts will provide steps for immediate action and dispatch an electrician to help you as soon as possible!
What happens during an electrical emergency?
Electrical emergencies can result in damage to your home. Because your home’s electrical circuits are connected, electrical problems are not always localized. Damage can be done to wiring, connected appliances and devices, and other electrical components.
Not having any power to your home is an electrical emergency, but more serious emergencies can occur. Electrical fires can quickly sweep through a building, causing thousands of dollars worth of damage. Personal injuries such as shocks or burns can harm you or someone you love.
A call to an electrician should always be made if complete power is lost or any part of your electrical system is sparking or seems dangerous.
How can I avoid electrical emergencies?
At 4-Star Electric we believe in prevention! That means repairing and replacing old wires and components before they become an issue. Also scheduling an annual electrical inspection and/or installing a whole-home surge protector can go a long way in preventing electrical emergencies.
