—Checks and maintenance
Electrics after a water leak or flood
Water and electricity together are dangerous. After a leak reaches electrics, nothing goes back on until it has been checked.
Leaks from bathrooms above, AC drain pans, water tanks or heavy rain can reach light fittings, sockets, ceiling cables and sometimes the distribution board. Even when power seems normal, water can lie in fittings and junctions and cause faults or shocks later.
Maintenance guides describe the checks that find problems while they are still small.
The first step is to switch off the affected circuits — or the main switch if water has reached the board or you are unsure — without standing in water. After the source is stopped and things have dried, the affected circuits are inspected, damaged accessories replaced and insulation tested before use.
01In short
The points that matter most
Switch off safely
Never touch electrics while standing in water.
Dry is not tested
Water can remain in fittings and junctions.
Test before use
Insulation testing shows hidden damage.
02Detail
What happens next
Stop the source
The leak is fixed before electrics are dealt with.
Drying
Fittings and ceilings allowed to dry; some accessories replaced.
Inspection
Ceiling fittings, junctions and sockets opened and checked.
Testing
Insulation and RCD tests before circuits return to use.
03Checklist
Note this
Where water reached
Ceilings, sockets, board.
What tripped
Which devices switched off.
Photos
Of damage, taken safely.
04Questions
Questions people ask
- Can I switch back on once it looks dry?
- Not until it has been inspected and tested.
- Do wet sockets need replacing?
- Often, especially if corrosion has started.
- What about appliances that got wet?
- They should be checked before use.
- Does insurance need a report?
- Some insurers ask for one; ask for written findings.
05Related
Related guides
- Checking for damage after a power surgeA check that catches the same trouble earlier.
- Electrical maintenance for an officeA check that catches the same trouble earlier.
- Repairing or replacing a distribution boardA related choice for the same kind of work.
- When a socket stops workingAnother thing people notice, with a related check.
This guide sits under maintenance. All topics are on the guides page.
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Water reached your electrics?
Once safe, tell us where water went and what is off. We will arrange inspection and testing.