Winding behind the walls of your home are thin electrical lines that power your appliances. But, despite their enclosed location, they can easily get destroyed. Below you’ll find more information about how this happens and how ruined wires are replaced.

What Damages Home Electrical Lines?

There are countless things that can ruin your home’s electric lines. One of the most common is poor insulation. This material is meant to act as a barrier so pulses sent through the wires don’t interact with nearby conductors. If there isn’t good insulation, it makes the lines more susceptible to damages.

Another problem is water leaks. Even the smallest droplet can wreak havoc on wires. This can cause them to fizzle out or spark.

5 Signs They Need to Be Removed

Sometimes, it can be difficult to tell when electrical lines need to be taken out. Here are five indicators that your wires need to be replaced.

  • Your home’s lights are dimmer.
  • You hear a soft buzzing noise when the lights are on.
  • You notice soot-like marks on the walls, especially around outlets.
  • The walls feel warm or are vibrating.
  • You smell a burning scent near outlets.

How Broken Electrical Lines are Replaced

How these wires are removed depends on a few things. These include how severely damaged they are and their current location. In most cases, a professional will shut off your power supply to check out the broken fixtures. They’ll then start unfastening them from their connectors. Once this is done, they can pull the lines out of the wall. Occasionally, they might need to cut the wire into segments if it’s woven in a strange angle.

After the damaged wires are removed, new lines will be put in. An electrician will splice the lines, connect them to the correct terminal, and then fuse them. Sometimes the attached outlet might also need to be replaced as its terminals could be worn or a fire hazard.

Can I Rewire the Lines Myself?

Yes, but it’s best not to. This can be a very intricate task and one wrong move could cause electrocution or a fire. In most areas, a licensed inspector is required to examine the wiring once you’re done with it. If something’s wrong, you’ll need to have it fixed immediately. To prevent this time-consuming and sometimes pricey situation, it’s best to use professional services.

Damaged electrical lines can be very dangerous if not removed. If you notice any of these mentioned warning signs, contact RCS in Santa Rosa. We’ll immediately send out our experts to inspect and fix issues that might be of concern.