Floods have damaged hundreds of thousands of homes in Australia. Unfortunately, flood seasons will be there in future. Flood affected-homeowners often resort to removing their home carpeting, sheetrock, and drywalls to prevent black mold growth. But before they can begin remodeling, most of them have to remove electrical wirings, switches, outlets and more. They also have to figure out what to do with some of their flood-affected electronic systems—for instance, whether to dispose or repair them.
Generally, electrical repairs are associated with a lot of potential dangers under normal circumstances, and adding water to the mix even increases that potential twofold. As an inspiration, here is a quick guide on how to go about water-damaged electrical systems after floods.
1. Strive to thoroughly inspect the electrical systems in the affected areas
2. Since there are high chances of corrosive damage occurring to your system, you should consider replacing saturated cables and wiring electrical components such as outlets and switches.
3. Incase motors and other heavy electrical equipment become immersed in water or has accumulated significant amount of moisture, it is advisable to opt for a water corrosion inhibitors that is specifically tailored and approved for the electrical equipment.
4. Before exposing the equipment to air, strive to follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to use the corrosion inhibitor.
Be Prepared To Dispose Certain Appliances
This is another important tip when it comes to handling electrical appliances after floods. Electronic gadgets or appliances that took at least a few inches of water should be replaced. Insulated appliances such as freezers, refrigerators, tank water heaters, and ovens are often unsalvageable since the wet insulations cannot be replaced. Additionally, appliances such as motors and compressors are often destroyed when such components are below water line. However, they can be repaired if the water was not deep enough to reach their central units.
If you have electrical appliances that you feel can be repaired, therefore, consider removing them from the flood-affected area and allow them to dry in a covered space for several days. Most importantly, call reputed Melbourne electricians to inspect it and if possible repair it before you try to plug it in.
Bottom-line
Flood water can cause a lot of damage to your electrical and electronic systems. Hopefully, the above tips have shed more light on what you can do in case of related eventualities. All in all, a safety check from licensed Melbourne electricians is a critical early step that you should take after any flooding event. It is, therefore, important to keep contacts of a few emergency electricians in Melbourne who are ready to answer your calls and help you any time of the day or night.
