5 Common Home Electric Repairs Shouldn’t Be DIY

“Home electric repairs are easy!”  “I’ve changed outlet covers, so I can it all!”  You may have heard yourself saying that because  as homeowners, we often take pride in tackling DIY projects around the house. From fixing leaky faucets to painting rooms, we enjoy the satisfaction of completing a job ourselves. However, some home repairs are not as simple as they seem, and attempting them without professional help can be dangerous. We’ve all been there before, thinking to ourselves, “how hard can it be?” only to quickly realize that it’s much harder than we anticipated. I once had a neighbor who decided to replace a light fixture in their living room without any prior experience. They thought it couldn’t be that hard and didn’t want to spend money on an electrician. However, as soon as they started working on it, they realized they were in over their heads. They accidentally cut the wrong wire, causing a small electrical fire that left their living room in shambles. Thankfully, they were able to put the fire out quickly, but the damage was done. It ended up costing much more to fix their mistake than it would have if they had just called a professional electrician in the first place. This experience serves as a reminder that some home repairs are best left to the experts, especially when it comes to electrical work.

 

It’s important to note that not all home repairs are dangerous to attempt on your own. There are many simple repairs that can be done without the help of a professional, such as changing a light bulb or replacing the electrical outlet faceplate. However, when it comes to electrical repairs, there are certain tasks that should not be taken lightly (pun intended). In all seriousness, working with electricity can be hazardous, and without proper knowledge and training, you run the risk of electrocution or starting a fire. In this blog post, we will explore some of the common electrical repairs that should only be done by a licensed electrician.

 

  • Circuit Breaker Issues 

When it comes to circuit breakers, it’s understandable to want to get things back up and running as quickly as possible. However, it’s important to remember that the circuit breaker is a crucial component of your electrical system, and attempting to fix it yourself can be extremely dangerous. The risk of electrocution or electrical fires is high, especially if you are not familiar with the inner workings of your breaker box. As circuit breakers age, they can become more unpredictable, making it even more important to seek the help of a trained and experienced professional electrician. It’s expected that you feel frustrated when your circuit breaker keeps tripping, and you may be tempted to keep resetting it or moving things around to try and fix the problem yourself. However, this approach can do more harm than good. Your circuit breaker is designed to trip when your wiring is overloaded to prevent a dangerous electrical situation from occurring. If it’s tripping frequently, it’s a sign that something is wrong and needs to be addressed by a professional electrician. Attempting to fix the issue yourself can put you and your family in danger, as you could potentially come into contact with live electrical wires.

 

  • Wiring Upgrades

Even if your home is new, modifying or replacing the wiring can be a daunting task– as it should be. Incorrectly wiring your home could lead to serious consequences, such as fire damage or failed inspections when you sell your home. We understand that you may be tempted to tackle this project on your own, but the risks are simply not worth it. Not only could you be putting yourself in danger, but you could also end up spending a lot of money to correct any mistakes you make. That’s why we urge you to consult with a licensed electrician who has the expertise and knowledge to safely and effectively upgrade or replace your home’s wiring. Don’t take any chances with your home’s electrical system. Instead, trust professionals to get the job done right.

 

  • Electric Panel Replacement

With all the newest gaming systems and TVs, it’s important to ensure that your electrical panel is up to date and able to handle the increased demand of your home’s electrical system. Your electrical panel plays a crucial role in protecting your home from electrical overload and preventing potential fire hazards. However, determining whether a repair or replacement is needed can be a complex task, especially for the average homeowner. Nobody wants to completely replace anything ever, so the odds of doing this task the quick and easy way are very high. We understand that you may feel overwhelmed and unsure of how to proceed when it comes to upgrading your electrical panel. That’s why we encourage you to rely on the expertise of a licensed electrician. They can assess your electrical panel and provide professional advice on whether a repair or replacement is needed, and they have the skills and knowledge to safely and effectively install the necessary upgrades. Don’t take any chances with your home’s electrical system and trust the professionals to keep you and your family safe.

 

  • Installing a Ceiling Fan

Installing a ceiling or exhaust fan may seem like a straightforward task, but it can actually be quite complicated and even dangerous. Wiring is always a risky job, and even the smallest mistakes can lead to significant problems down the road. For example, failing to properly secure the fan to the ceiling can result in a constant vibrating noise, which can be both irritating and disruptive. Similarly, if the exhaust vent is not correctly sealed, it can release harmful fumes into your home and promote the growth of mold. Not only this but installing the wrong type of fan for your home or wiring system can pose a serious safety risk. We understand that you may be eager to tackle this project on your own, but we urge you to seek the guidance of a licensed electrician who can ensure that the fan is installed safely and correctly. 

 

  • Replacing Electrical Outlets

This is another one of those home electrical problems that just seems too easy to call an electrician for, right? While replacing or repairing electrical outlets may seem like a simple task, it can actually be very dangerous if not done correctly. One wrong move can easily lead to electrocution or even fire, making it crucial to approach this type of project with caution. Damaged or outdated outlets can pose a severe risk to your home and family, and attempting to fix them yourself without proper training or equipment can be incredibly risky.

 

One Final Thought About Home Electric Repairs

We just want to emphasize that while there are certainly many home repairs and projects that you can tackle on your own, electrical work should not be one of them. Electrical projects can be complex and dangerous, and require specialized knowledge and equipment to ensure that they are completed safely and correctly. While resources like YouTube can be helpful for certain tasks, we strongly recommend leaving any electrical work to the professionals. At the end of the day, the safety of you and your loved ones should always come first. By hiring a licensed electrician, you can have peace of mind knowing that your electrical repairs and upgrades are being handled by an expert and that your home is safe and protected from any potential hazards.

 

If you’re in the Idaho area and you are looking for licensed electricians who not only know what they are doing, but truly care for you and your family, Hi-Tech Electric services all of Southern Idaho including Boise, Meridian, Nampa, Caldwell, Twin Falls, Idaho Falls, Pocatello, McCall, and the surrounding areas. Give us a call any time! We can’t wait to help you!