Many homeowners will experiment with do-it-yourself (DIY) projects. Learning to complete maintenance or improvement tasks independently can save you money and time. However, some projects are best left to the professionals, and electrical work is one of them. Here are a few signs that you may need a licensed electrician.
Your Fuses Keep Blowing
If your home’s fuses keep blowing, it may be time to call a licensed electrician. Avoid adding higher-amp fuses, as this can pose a fire risk. The most common cause of frequently blown fuses is overloading circuits. You may also have faulty wiring causing a power surge. All of these reasons can be dangerous if left unrepaired.
Your Lights Are Constantly Flickering
Your home’s lights may constantly flicker if there is a poor connection between the switch and the bulb. The repair may be as easy as replacing the switch, or your home may need updated electrical wiring. Flickering lights in your home can even indicate a potential fire hazard, meaning you may want to call Kansas City electricians as soon as possible.
Your Switches Aren’t Working
If you have light switches in the home that don’t work, it may be due to one of a few causes. A non-functioning light switch could be due to a tripped breaker or blown fuse. However, if resetting the fuse still doesn’t make the light switch work, you may need to replace it. If this still doesn’t work, it may be an issue with your electrical wiring. Additionally, improperly replacing your light switch can lead to a fire or electric shock, making this a good project for an experienced electrician.
Your Home Requires Rewiring
Contacting a professional electrician is usually a good idea if your home requires rewiring due to faulty wires or new electrical components. Homes should be rewired every 25 years, as the protective insulation on the wires wears down over time. Left unprotected, the exposed wires can stop working or become a fire hazard. Some signs indicating that your home needs rewired include flickering lights, sparking outlets, electrical shocks, or burning smells. In some cases, relocating while a home is being rewired to ensure safety may even be a good idea.
You Hear Buzzing in the Walls
A buzzing in the walls can indicate a few things, including improper electrical wiring. If the buzzing noises are due to improper wiring, you may also notice that the electrical outlets don’t work and that the lights constantly flicker on and off. If you hear a buzzing sound that may be due to electrical issues, contact a professional electrician as soon as possible.
Smoking Outlets
Smoke coming out from your electrical outlets indicates an electrical emergency. Make sure you unplug anything connected to the outlet. If the smoke stops, contact an electrician and schedule an appointment as soon as possible. In the meantime, don’t use the electrical outlet. Contact the fire department if the outlet or wall is still smoking despite removing the plug.
Stained Outlets
If the outlets in your home are stained, it could be from burning. Most cities and states prohibit painters from painting the top of outlet covers, so you can easily identify stains. A stained outlet means you should avoid using it and contact a licensed electrician. Burn damage on top of the electrical outlets could mean that your home’s electrical system is a fire risk. Don’t replace the outlet covers until the electrical problem is resolved. If you plan on painting any rooms within your home, make sure you also carefully cover or remove the outlet covers before beginning.
An Inspection Claims Potential Electrical Needs
If you’re considering buying or recently bought a home, you may have had a professional inspection completed. While home inspectors often look for indications of electrical problems, they’re not typically qualified to repair them. Instead, they may refer you to a professional electrician. If this is the case, it usually means that it’s a good idea to schedule an electrical inspection as soon as possible. It may even be a good idea to have a professional electrician visit the property before closing to determine if any major repairs are needed. Expensive electrical repairs could end up being a point of negotiation.
Some home electrical repairs and projects are easy DIY projects, such as changing out an outlet plate or replacing a light bulb. Other electrical problems, however, like burnt outlet covers or frequently tripping fuses, may indicate a riskier electrical issue. Regarding electrical issues, it’s usually best to contact a licensed electrician. This ensures that your electrical issue is repaired correctly the first time, helping to keep you and your household safe.
