How to Check for Electricity Leakage in Your Home

Electricity leakage is an issue that occurs when electric current escapes into areas where it shouldn’t be. This unintended flow not only leads to energy waste but can pose significant safety hazards in your home. If left unchecked, electricity leakage can result in electric shocks, appliance damage, or even house fires.

At JDV Electric, we help homeowners throughout Lansdowne and West Chester identify and fix electricity leakage issues quickly and safely. Our team of licensed electricians uses the latest tools and techniques to pinpoint the problem and provide reliable repairs. In this blog post, we share ways you can check for electricity leakage and what you should do if you detect this issue in your home.

Signs of Electricity Leakage in Your Home

Electricity leakage isn’t always obvious; however, there are specific warning signs you can watch out for that will indicate a problem, including:

• Unusually high electric bills: If your electric bill suddenly spikes but your usage habits haven’t changed, you could be losing electricity through a leak.
• Mild shocks from appliances: If you experience a small shock from a device or switch, it could indicate that electricity is leaking from the circuit.
• Flickering lights and malfunctions: Faulty wiring caused by a leak may cause lights to flicker or appliances to behave erratically, pointing to potential electricity leakage.
• Burning smell or warmth: Overheating from leaked current can produce a burning odor or make outlets feel hot to the touch, creating a safety hazard.

How Electricity Leakage Affects Your Home & Safety

Unchecked electricity leakage has several serious consequences that can impact your home safety. Leaking currents can overheat wires, leading to sparks and potentially devastating house fires. Electric shocks can also wreak havoc on your home due to leakage, which is especially dangerous in homes with small children or pets who might unknowingly touch exposed surfaces.

Leakage increases your energy consumption as well, driving up your monthly bills while decreasing the efficiency of your electrical system. Continuous current leaks can also stress electronics and shorten their lifespan, costing you more in replacements and repairs.

Methods to Check for Electricity Leakage

While it’s always best to consult a professional electrician, there are a few ways you can check for potential leaks on your own, including:

• Check the meter: After turning off all appliances, watch your electric meter. If it’s still running, electricity may be leaking somewhere in your system.
• Use a multimeter: A multimeter can help you measure leakage current from outlets or devices. Only use this method if you’re confident in your electrical knowledge.
• Monitor your bills: Review your monthly electricity bills for unexplained increases or inconsistencies over time. If you notice these, it could point to a potential leak.
• Identify physical clues: Scorched outlets, buzzing noises, or frequently tripped circuit breakers are all red flags that can point to electrical leakage in your home.

Call JDV Electric for Expert Electrical Inspection & Repair

Because electricity leakage can be complex and dangerous, professional diagnosis is essential — especially when issues are hidden behind walls or involve older wiring.

JDV Electric’s licensed electricians are trusted throughout West Chester and Lansdowne for providing safe, efficient, and thorough electrical inspections.

Don’t let a hidden issue put your home or family at risk. Book an electrical inspection online and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a safe, energy-efficient home!