This year has seen record amounts of rainfall throughout Colorado. Denver got more rainfall this spring than it gets in a typical year and summer promises even more. And while our lawns and lakes love it, heavy rains can cause hidden damage to a building’s electrical system.

At Allstar Electrical Services, we’re seeing unprecedented demand for repairing and replacing electrical wiring, connections, and equipment damaged by our record rainfalls. Here are some things we’re running into, some obvious and others you may not realize.

Flood and Leak Damage

Whether from overflowing streams and streets or leaking foundations and window wells, standing water in your home or business can cause extensive damage. The first order of business is to cut off power to the affected areas and get rid of the water and the mess it leaves behind. Once things have settled down and dried out, it’s important to have a licensed electrician do a thorough inspection of your electrical system and components, especially in areas where water has damaged your walls, floors, or ceilings.

Needless to say, or so we hope, electricity and water don’t mix, so if your power was knocked out, be sure it’s safe to turn it back on. Once you do, check all areas for indications that something isn’t right. If breakers or fuses trip, leave them off until a qualified electrician can assess and correct the problem.

Since corrosion and contamination from oils, chemicals, and other things in the water can affect the safe operation and performance of the equipment, failing to do so can result in hidden damage, fires, or even electrocution. Water-damaged connections, equipment and motors can cause serious problems even after they’ve dried out and seem to work.

Hidden Damage

Since so much of your electrical system is hidden behind walls or in attics and crawl spaces, it’s easy to overlook problems. If your repair work involves replacing wall and ceiling coverings, that’s the time to look for clues of hidden damage in wall cavities and between floor and ceiling joists. It’ll save you the time, trouble, and expense of removing and replacing it a second time.

And don’t overlook the possibility of adding or upgrading service while the spaces are open. You’ll save time and money if the studs and joists are already exposed.

Things to Look For

Any flickering, buzzing, or odors are a sign that trouble lurks in your electrical system. If any of these occur, call a licensed electrical contractor right away. Things like switches, outlets, breakers, and junction boxes should be inspected carefully and repaired or replaced as needed.

Don’t Take Chances, Call a Pro

Even damp soil and concrete can conduct electricity, and potential problems can be hard to detect, so if your home or business has had water damage, play it safe and call a pro.

Allstar Electrical Services has offered top-quality electrical work to homeowners and businesses throughout Colorado’s Front Range for over 20 years. Besides 24-hour Emergency Service, we offer homeowners and businesses true piece of mind with our Residential Preventative Maintenance Audit and Commercial Inspection and Audit Service.

So whatever your electrical service needs may be, call Allstar Electrical Services at (303) 399-7420 or visit our website for more information or schedule an appointment.

We’re top-rated by the Better Business Bureau and proud to be a recommended contractor by Angi’s Home Advisor.