Dangers Of A Ceiling Leaking Near Light Fixtures

A ceiling leak can cause severe and costly damage if left unrepaired.

A leak in a ceiling near a light fixture can have a number of potential dangers, depending on how severe the leak is, how long it has been leaking and what sort of light fixture you are using. Generally speaking, water and electricity are not a good mix, and a leak in a ceiling will always cause damage and should be repaired as quickly as possible.

Structural Damage

Water damage in a ceiling can cause structural weakening, which can cause a larger light fixture to partially or completely come away from the ceiling, potentially harming people or objects underneath. When drywall becomes waterlogged, it expands and becomes soft. Even a light fixture properly mounted to a ceiling stud can fall away when water causes the wood to expand and split.

Fixture Damage

The light fixture itself can become damaged and require replacement if exposed to water for a prolonged period. Light fixtures are not intended to be exposed to water and are typically not constructed of rust-proof metals and materials. A hanging light or chandelier may suffer less from a leaking ceiling, but recessed lighting and can lights should be checked thoroughly for rust and damage after the leak has been repaired.

Fire Hazard

Exposing electrical wiring and junction boxes to water can create a fire hazard. Water can rust and degrade metal junction boxes and cause insulation and drywall to swell and fall into wiring. Additionally, water will short out electrical circuits and can cause sparks that can set insulation, wood, and drywall alight. Even if you do not intend to repair the light and leak immediately, as soon as a leak has been spotted, the power should be shut off to that portion of the house to reduce the risk of fire.

Electrocution Risk

Water and electricity do not mix with safe results. Water accumulation in the light fixture itself, the junction box and the wiring of the light fixture can cause a severe electrocution risk. Do not attempt to make any repairs or touch any part of the wet area before shutting off the electricity to the light fixture. Once you believe the electricity is shut off, use an electrical sensor or voltage tester to verify that there is no current in the wires before proceeding.

Tags: light fixture, cause severe, exposed water, fixture itself, junction boxes, leak been, leak ceiling