Moisture and electricity do not pair well.
You don’t want a situation where these two elements begin interacting with each other as that is when things spiral out of control.
As a result, it can be alarming when you notice water near a light fixture. You might even wonder, can water leaking through a light fixture cause a fire?
Water leaking through a light fixture can cause a fire. It’s common for moisture to trigger the electrical charge in the fixture and cause it to spark. This sparking leads to the fire breaking out. To fix the issue, turn off the power supply, find the water leak, and get rid of it.
Each situation is going to be different when it comes to the cause of the water leak.
In some cases, it will be rainwater that is coming through the roof, while others are going to have a toilet that’s leaking in the upstairs bathroom.
Whatever the reason is, you need to fix it before turning the power supply back on to that part of the property.
This guide will dig deeper into pinpointing what you have to do when there is water leaking through a light fixture.
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How To Fix Water Leaking Through A Light Fixture
1. Pause The Power Supply
If there’s water leaking through a recessed light, you will need to immediately pause the power supply.
Please remember, water should not be near an active light fixture. This is dangerous and it can lead to a fire breaking out.
Due to this risk, you will need to stop the electrical charge going to the light fixture as soon as possible. Do this not only with the light switch but also the main electrical circuit (i.e. breaker panel).
You will want to make sure power is not going to the light fixture before considering anything else including repair work.
2. Find The Root Cause Of Water Leak
You will have to find out where the water is coming from.
Most people attempt to let the fixture dry, but that won’t happen if more water pours through as time goes on. In many cases, the water leak gets worse and also damages the ceiling.
This is why the best approach is to find out the root cause of the water leak.
Some of the reasons can include – a leaking toilet, rainwater coming through a hole in the roof, or spilled water upstairs.
Whatever the reason is, you need to fix the water leak first and then move on to the light fixture.
3. Let The Light Fixture Dry
As you learn more about what to do when water is leaking through a light fixture, it’s important to let the area dry.
This means waiting a day or so to ensure water is not sitting near the light fixture or its connectors.
Even a little bit of moisture is enough to create a spark.
This applies to situations where there’s water leaking into a light fixture when it rains. You have to be diligent and ensure the area is bone dry before turning on the power supply again.
Doing anything short of this is risky and can lead to a fire breaking out in your house.
4. Change The Light Fixture (If Necessary)
If you are wondering why there is water dripping from the light fixture, this might be reason enough to change the entire fixture.
It’s common for there to be a point in time where the fixture is not going to get better. This is when it’s best to replace the light fixture and ensure the water leak is taken care of.
You will want to inspect the light fixture to ensure it is still functional and is going to work when the water is removed. If it is soaked, you need to change it. This is a noted concern if a bath overflowed through a ceiling light.
How Long Does It Take For A Light Fitting To Dry Out?
It can take a light fitting 2-3 days to dry out. This depends on how much water has leaked through and impacted the fixture’s components. It’s always best to err on the side of precaution and wait a couple of days.
Final Thoughts
Can water leaking through a light fixture cause a fire?
Water leaking through a light fixture can cause a fire. This is due to water and electricity not doing well together. It can cause a spark that will turn into a full-blown fire in the house. To fix the issue, turn off the power supply, remove the light fixture, and fix the water leak.
This is the only way to ensure the problem doesn’t worsen leading to a fire. This is a serious risk and it is even recommended to consult with a professional electrician for a more comprehensive inspection.
You will want to do things the right way to ensure you don’t end up with a fire in your house.
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