The last thing we ever want to see in our homes is water where it shouldn’t be. Leaks can mean costly repairs and headaches galore, but they are so much more worrying when you see them coming from a light fixture. If you notice water dripping from a light in your home, it’s something that you cannot ignore and must address immediately due to the dangers this problem can pose.
To help you deal with this situation, we’ll explain what can cause this type of leak, why it’s so dangerous, and what you need to do when you see water dripping from a light fixture.
Causes of Leaks
While each situation is different, there are a few common causes of leaks in a home. Diagnosing the exact problem might be difficult for a normal homeowner to do, so we recommend consulting a professional to ensure the issue is identified and dealt with correctly.
Broken Pipes
One of the most common causes of water leaking through a light fixture is a broken pipe. Water pipes run all throughout our homes, meaning that if one bursts, the leak could happen anywhere – including behind your lights.
Damaged Roof
After a nasty storm or simply the passage of time, leaks in your roof can start to appear. If you notice the leak behind your light fixture appears while or shortly after it rains, it could be a good sign that the problem has something to do with your roof. If this is the case, it’s best to call a professional roofing company to address the issue once you’ve ruled out plumbing problems.
Leaky Fixtures
When you notice the leak coming from your light fixture, think about what may be above it. Is the light fixture under a bathroom, laundry room, or kitchen? Fixtures and appliances such as showers, toilets, dishwashers, sinks, and more can run into problems and leak. If the fixture is right above the light, the water will run down through the floor and become visible there.
The Dangers
As you’re probably aware, water and electricity are a dangerous combination. Coming into contact with water that is charged with electricity can result in an electrical shock – which can be deadly. Avoid all contact with water that is close to electrical fixtures.
Worse, water and electricity combining in the wrong way could cause an electrical fire, which puts your home, family, and life at stake. This is the biggest danger and is why the problem must be addressed as soon as possible.
What to Do
So, what should you do when you notice water leaking from or near a light fixture? The first thing is to check if you can detect any smell or sign of smoke. If you do, evacuate the premises and call emergency services right away, as a fire may be starting.
If there is no smoke, you should instead call a plumber, preferably one that offers 24/7 emergency services if the leak occurs outside of normal business hours. While you wait for them, shut off your electricity via the breaker box as well as your home’s water supply via the outside water meter. If you’re unsure how to shut off your water, call your local water supplier, and they’ll be able to do it for you. Taking these precautions will help you and the plumber stay safe until the problem can be fixed.
Once they arrive, the plumber should be able to identify your issue and recommend how to solve it.
When Disaster Strikes, Call Joe the Plumber
Having a dependable plumbing company in your back pocket can save time, money, hassle, and even potentially your life in the face of a serious problem like leaks behind lighting fixtures. But no matter how severe your plumbing problem is, you can turn to Joe the Plumber for great service and solutions across the greater Houston area. We have a highly trained team of experts, each of whom comes equipped with the best tools in the industry to take care of your project swiftly and efficiently.
When it comes to your home, you deserve the best. With Joe the Plumber, that’s exactly what you’ll get. Contact us today to schedule an appointment or take advantage of our 24/7 emergency services!
