Lights that have a mind of their own and start to flicker? Outlets that are warm when you put your hand on them, or a breaker that will not stay put once the microwave is running? Do not be in the habit of putting down such things as mere nuisances. They could be telling you there is trouble of some sort behind your walls.
We at Mr. Electrician South Texas, LLC have been in the service of homeowners in Greater Corpus Christi and environs for some time now, going back to 2012. As a company owned by locals and by family, we put our team at your disposal 24/7 because electrical issues do not always wait for convenient hours. Should you see any of the signs enumerated here, we can be reached at (361) 301-4633.
For the most part, an electrical problem does not make a great deal of noise about itself; it is a slow build. But your home will put out clues before a small matter becomes a serious one, and being able to spot them is good for the protection of your property and family.
Flickering or Dimming Lights
One bulb may be on its last legs or simply loose. When, however, the lights in a room or the entire house dim or brighten unbidden, there is more to it. A loose connection, an overtaxed circuit or something with the panel could be at fault. Ignore it at your peril since those kinds of connections run hot.
Warm Outlets, Switches, or Discoloration
You should not have to look hard for these red flags, as outlets and switches are meant to be cool and in good order:
- An outlet or plate that is hot or warm
- Scorching of a brown or black hue in the vicinity of an outlet
- Some fishy or burning smell in the area of a panel or outlet
- The odd spark upon plugging in
- A switch that crackles or buzzes
Such things indicate heat is building up in your walls where it should not be. Cease use of the outlet and get a licensed electrician on the phone.
Breakers That Trip Repeatedly
It is all in a day’s work for a circuit breaker to trip and save you from an overload. Yet when it is the same breaker doing so time after time, the circuit is saying it has too much load for what it was made to do. All too often a homeowner will just keep resetting it, which is a way of addressing the symptom. In reality the cause might be an old panel in need of an update or the necessity of a dedicated circuit.
A Persistent Burning Smell
There is no better warning than what your nose will tell you. Failing components, melting insulation and wiring that has overheated have a way of making themselves known. If the source is not apparent and the smell does not abate, turn off the power at the panel if it is safe to do so and call us without delay. We are available around the clock for just such an occasion.
Buzzing Sounds and Frequent Bulb Burnout
Current ought to flow in silence. So a hum or buzz from the panel or your walls is an indication it is not. Then there is the matter of having to put in new bulbs with some regularity; the voltage may be up and down or the fixture is too hot. Either way it calls for attention.
Older Wiring and Two-Prong Outlets
The older home was not put together to cope with the modern array of electronics and appliances. You will know your system is showing its age by:
- Two-prong outlets
- A fuse box in place of a breaker panel
- Cloth or aluminum wire
- Kitchens and bathrooms without GFCI outlets
- Reliance on power strips and extension cords
An inspection will put you in the picture as to what upgrades are in order.
Why Acting Early Matters
Left to their own devices, electrical problems only become worse and costlier. It is the difference between a minor repair and something of greater consequence to act on a warning sign. Omar Arispe, a native of Corpus Christi and our owner, is a Master Electrician who is licensed and heads up a bilingual operation for Portland, Calallen, Rockport, Robstown, Aransas Pass, Port Aransas and other communities.
We are fully insured and carry the proper licenses. GreenSky can be used for financing and we give military and senior discounts, as well as free estimates.
Do not let a small thing turn into an emergency. For peace of mind, contact Mr. Electrician South Texas, LLC at (361) 301-4633.