Your lights have been flickering and you cannot put a finger on why? The microwave is put to use and the circuit breaker trips as if on cue? An odd smell has come from an outlet and one can only wonder at the danger.
Such things are indicative of an electrical problem calling for some attention. F.H. Furr Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning & Electrical has the experience to back up our licensed electricians; we have been with homeowners since 1981 and we know how fast a minor matter can become a major one. For a professional assessment, (703) 997-2894 is the number to put us on the phone with.
One might be inclined to overlook an electrical issue, but then it is too late. A leaky faucet is one thing, but bad wiring is a genuine risk to your home and family. The good news is that trouble will make its presence known well before anything catastrophic happens. Being aware of the signs allows for early action.
Flickering or Dimming Lights
An occasional flicker is not unusual. Yet when it is a frequent occurrence, or the lights go dim upon turning on an appliance, there is an issue at hand. In all likelihood it is a loose connection in the wiring or an overloaded circuit. You would be wise not to dismiss the heat a loose connection produces, it is a fire hazard.
Circuit Breakers That Keep Tripping
It is what a breaker does, to trip and protect the house. But if it is doing so repeatedly it is a sign the circuit has more load on it than is proper. Unplugging some devices may be all that is required in some cases. In others, it could be a failing breaker or the like. Merely resetting it is no solution.
Warm Outlets and Burning Smells
You should not have to feel any warmth from an outlet or switch plate. Put down whatever you are using if it is warm or you detect a burning, fishy type of smell. They are serious warnings. An outlet running hot is often because of overheating in the wiring behind it, an invitation to a fire.
Buzzing Sounds and Sparks
There should be no noise from your electricity. A hum or buzz from the panel or an outlet demands your attention. As for a spark when you plug something in, it looks harmless enough but if it keeps happening the connections are worn and require a professional.
Discolored or Scorched Outlets
A quick perusal of the outlets and switches in the home will tell you a lot. Brown or black marks are evidence of a small arc or heat damage. It is proof positive that something has gone awry behind the wall.
Common Signs to Watch For
These are the ones that warrant a call to an electrician:
- Regular dimming or flickering
- More than the occasional tripped breaker
- Warmth from switch plates or outlets
- Odors of burning or fish near the panel
- Any crackling, buzzing or humming
- Sparks from devices being plugged in
- Covers on outlets that are scorched
Why Wait?
To put off making a call and see if it resolves itself is tempting. Electrical problems do not have a way of getting better unaided, they worsen and the risks with them. Given faulty wiring is a prime cause of house fires, the price of inaction is much steeper than a prompt fix.
We have a policy of flat-rate pricing and none of the hard sell, so there is no question as to what the bill will be once we start. Our technicians are background-checked, drug-tested and licensed, and we stand by our work with a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee.
We Are Here When You Need Us
With 18 offices in Northern Virginia, DC, Maryland, Richmond and Delaware, F.H. Furr is open around the clock. Book a call before 5pm on a weekday and we can often provide same-day service; for anything urgent our team is on hand 24/7. We can also put you on our Preferred Partner Plans membership or arrange financing.
Do not gamble with the safety of your family over the warning signs listed here. Let a licensed electrician from F.H. Furr put things to right. Give us a ring at (703) 997-2894.
