What To Do if Water Is Dripping From a Ceiling Light

5/28/2020 (Permalink)

What To Do if Water Is Dripping From a Ceiling Light

You’ve just settled into bed after a busy day, and then you feel it — an icy drop of water hits your face. You know nothing about water in light bulbs, other than it’s bad. What now?
Don’t panic! Before calling professional help in Park Ridge, IL, follow these steps:

• Shut off the light switch. (Use a flashlight if it’s dark).
  
• Find the water main to the house and turn it off.
  
• Go to the breaker box and shut off the electricity.
  
  

Once you’re safe, evaluate the situation. Water in a light fixture often causes ceiling damage and electrical problems, so you'll need a specialist who can address this combination of issues. Instead of an electrician or plumber, consider a company that offers water damage restoration. This is definitely not a DIY situation.

Water Damage Restoration: What To Expect
Water in light fixtures isn't an everyday event. In fact, you probably never thought you’d be in this situation, so you may have no idea what happens when it occurs. Here's what to expect:

Evaluation: Your provider will survey the affected areas and document the needed repairs.
Elimination: This is the water removal process, which can vary depending on the amount of water and the location of the leak.
Sanitization: The technician should remove humidity and mold, then thoroughly sanitize the area.
Restoration: The last step involves any repairs needed to return the area to normal.

Water Damage Prevention: What To Do Next
Now that you’re familiar with the effect of water in light fixtures, how can you prevent it? While natural disasters are unpredictable, you can monitor the following:

Faucets and toilets: Make a habit of checking for drips, leaks, and cracks around these fixtures, especially in rooms on the second or third floors.
Water heaters, dishwashers, and washing machines: Large appliances that use water can be prone to problems as they age. Regularly inspect the floor and walls around these machines, and any visible hoses, for signs of moisture and mold.

These simple steps can help you avoid unwanted water in the future. Sleep well knowing you’ve done your best to protect your investment from another round of ceiling damage.