We are all proud of our homes and to an extent, we all like to think we can keep them maintained to a decent standard. Occasionally though faults occur that require the help of an expert. Despite our best efforts to fix them ourselves; the complexities, the safety risks and the lack of knowledge all mean it is probably best to source a qualified professional.
At what point do you make this call though?
When it comes to electricity, for example, the risks can be quite high. One incorrect wire could cause havoc! Then again, some jobs are extremely simple and as long as common sense is applied, the risk is more or less non-existent. So when should you bank on the pros or trust your basic understanding?
Whether you need urgent electrical repairs in London, Glasgow or Lands End, in this blog, we look at when it’s time to get in the pro’s and when you could safely tackle them yourself.
What DIY Electrical Repairs Can I Do?
Firstly, it is important to understand that electricity is dangerous, and if you feel unsure at any stage, regardless of how safe the job is, ask for help or recruit a professional.
For now, we will cover the jobs you should be able to safely complete by yourself and keep the power flowing where it needs to be.
Changing A Lightbulb
Let’s start with something simple and one we are sure everyone could manage. Simply turn the light switch off. Unscrew your old light bulb and screw a new one in. Turn the switch back on to test the bulb and you should see the room, hallway or path illuminated! Just remember to ensure the bulb is the correct wattage!
Changing A Heating Element In An Oven
A heating element is kept safely behind a panel that you can easily remove with screws. Take the panel off, unclip the heating element, clip the new one in, put the panel back on and you are good to go! Just make sure the power is off first.
Resetting A Tripped Circuit Breaker
This is just as simple but could look like you’ve completed something much more technical. Picture the scene, the entire kitchen has shut down, no lights, no oven, no freezer. Something has happened! Head to the fuse box and you’ll probably see one switch in a different position to the others. Then check its label, does it say “kitchen?” It likely does. Flick it back and watch everything spring into action! You’ve fixed it!
Should it keep tripping out after you’ve restored the power, there could be a bigger problem that requires further investigation. You could be putting too much power through the room, and this may benefit the expertise of a professional.
Changing Light Switch Plates
Personally, this is one that has often had me questioning if it is safe. I’m not sure why. Perhaps it’s uncovering the wires or something. Anyway, should you need to change your light switch plate to add a new pop of style to your room, simply turn off the power then unscrew the plate. Pop the new one in, secure it and then turn the power back on!
Tightening Loose Electrical Screws
Sometimes you might experience flickering lights or occasional dips in power. The instant thought is that something is gradually breaking down but quite often it’s just some loose screws! Investigate outlets or switch plates and see if any screws aren’t as attached as they should be.
If you find this is the case, shut off the power, tighten the screws with a screwdriver and then turn the power back on. If everything works as normal, you’ve done it! However, should you discover that wires are frayed or seem to be exposed, speak to an electrician rather than tackle it yourself.
When Should You Call A Professional Electrician?
The jobs above are all relatively simple and should be easy to complete for those with even the most basic DIY knowledge. Things get a little more complex with the following jobs though and for each, we suggest you contact a pro electrician to safely complete it for you.
Constant Circuit Breaker Trips
If you have to go back to the circuit breaker again and again, it’s likely there is a much larger problem elsewhere. You could have an overloaded circuit, a faulty breaker or have some damaged wiring. These could all lead to overheating and eventually an electrical fire, putting you and others at a much bigger risk than you first thought.
Flickering Or Dimming Lights
If your lights frequently flicker or get dim, there could be some loose wiring that needs some attention. There may even be issues with the voltage that sees varying amounts of power flow through the circuit. This would be a good time to hire a professional so they can discover exactly what is causing it.
Should the flickering occur in multiple rooms, you might find that the wiring for the entire house might be on its way out!
Sparking, Discoloured Or Warm Outlets
First things first. If you see a plug sparking, do not touch it. Shut off the power at the breaker before doing anything. This could be happening due to an overloaded circuit, some loose wiring or a failing outlet. None of which you should attempt to tackle yourself. Call the experts and allow them to locate the issue and get it fixed.
Partial Outages
Should you notice that power in one room functions fine but in another, it dips in and out, there is a problem. This again could be an issue with the circuit but could also stem from loose or corroded wiring.
Installing New Wiring
This is one you should definitely leave to a fully qualified electrician. Any work that involves new wiring, whether it be replacing old wiring with new wiring, upgrading your electrical panel or adding new light fixtures requires compliance with safety rules. Only a professional can guarantee this and reduce any risk to you and those you live with.
Burning Or Buzzing From Switches Or Outlets
If you can smell burning from a switch or an outlet, you could have a big fire risk on your hands, so you must call out an emergency electrician. Shut off the power immediately so the risk can be minimised. Buzzing sounds often indicate arcing and this can be the start of something that leads to a fire.
You Get Electric Shocks When Using An Outlet Or Switch
If the moment you plug an item in you get shocked, there is probably an issue that needs fixing. Mild static shocks can sometimes happen and in most cases are not a cause for concern. A sudden jolt, however, requires the expertise of a trained electrician.
If you are encountering electrical issues in the home, consult our list to see whether it is likely something you can tackle. If it is, and you feel confident, you can easily complete the job without the expense of calling out an electrician. However, should the problem be something that should only be dealt with by an expert, do not attempt to fix it yourself. Electricity is extremely dangerous. Contact an electrician right away and follow any instructions they give you.
