How long for a plug socket to dry out?

**sunjue100** · 23 Sep 20, 05:25 AM

We had a decorator in yesterday stripping wallpaper and water has got into one possibly two sockets so electric has tripped and the whole of my downstairs sockets are off. Have left it over 12 hours but still tripping do i just leave it to dry longer or do i need an electrician to have a look?

TIA

stan_the_man · 23 Sep 20, 06:53 AM

If they are just a regular wall socket I'd be inclined to go buy a new one for peace of mind, they should only be a couple of quid (if you are happy installing them that is, the cost may shoot up if you get someone in).

Double check the back of it for black smoke marks, they may need replacing anyway.

**BucksBugsy** · 23 Sep 20, 07:42 AM

I think my first question would be is there a freezer on the same ring main ? If power to the freezer has been off for 12 hours even if the freezer hadn't been opened not sure what state the goods would be in.

Now for your original question. I would try it again this morning and see what happens . A couple of years ago I tipped a cup of tea over a mains extension lead and it tried out within 12 hours but of course that had the advantage I could unplug the extension lead.

Without knowing the extent of the water ingress its difficult to advise and I'm not a qualified electrician.

mickey house · 23 Sep 20, 08:10 AM

I'm a qualified electrician but I am reluctant to suggest you replace the socket as it can pose a safety risk plus you can't properly test it if you install it so I would advise calling a local electrician.

I would also suggest that that you deduct the cost of the electrician's call out from the decorators bill as they are fully responsible for the problem (I'm assuming you have made them aware of the situation).

Mr Tom Morrow · 23 Sep 20, 08:14 AM

I agree with MH. I would sort it myself but I will never advise anybody else to undertake electrical tasks if they aren't competent and confident.

A tip for the future or anybody else stripping paper.

Before wetting the walls put a 6" piece of 2" wide parcel packing tape half on the socket and half on the paper above it. That way it's all but impossible for water to get behind the socket.

Then when 99% of the paper is removed deal with the last bit with care and much less water. Better still knock of the circuit concerned.

lizzie145 · 23 Sep 20, 08:33 AM

i am amazed that so much water was needed that it caused this. I would be asking the decorator to pay for any testing to be done

**sunjue100** · 23 Sep 20, 07:41 PM

Thanks all dh reminded me we had home emergency cover through our bank account so called them and an electrician came out and sorted it, apparently there was a crack in the front of the socket which is where the water seems to have got in so all sorted and at no cost to us.

tspill · 23 Sep 20, 07:45 PM

Originally Posted by Mr Tom Morrow

I agree with MH. I would sort it myself but I will never advise anybody else to undertake electrical tasks if they aren't competent and confident.

A tip for the future or anybody else stripping paper.

Before wetting the walls put a 6" piece of 2" wide parcel packing tape half on the socket and half on the paper above it. That way it's all but impossible for water to get behind the socket.

Then when 99% of the paper is removed deal with the last bit with care and much less water. Better still knock of the circuit concerned.

Agree.
I would do it myself without any problem. But would always advise others to get a professional to do it unless they know what they are doing.

23 Sep 20, 06:53 AM	#2
	23 Sep 20, 06:53 AM stan_the_man Imagineer
stan_the_man Imagineer Join Date: Apr 08	If they are just a regular wall socket I'd be inclined to go buy a new one for peace of mind, they should only be a couple of quid (if you are happy installing them that is, the cost may shoot up if you get someone in). Double check the back of it for black smoke marks, they may need replacing anyway. __________________ 1993 First trip offsite / 1997 Offsite / 1999 All Star Music / 2008 All Star Music + Engagement 2009 Coronado Springs / 2010 Animal Kingdom Lodge + Wedding / 2012 Coronado Springs 2015 Coronado Springs Allergy-Friendly Food Report 2015

23 Sep 20, 08:10 AM	#4
	23 Sep 20, 08:10 AM mickey house Imagineer
mickey house Imagineer Join Date: Sep 06	I'm a qualified electrician but I am reluctant to suggest you replace the socket as it can pose a safety risk plus you can't properly test it if you install it so I would advise calling a local electrician. I would also suggest that that you deduct the cost of the electrician's call out from the decorators bill as they are fully responsible for the problem (I'm assuming you have made them aware of the situation).

23 Sep 20, 08:14 AM	#5
	23 Sep 20, 08:14 AM Mr Tom Morrow Imagineer
Mr Tom Morrow Imagineer Join Date: Jul 14 Location: The Tiki Room. theDIBB Guidebook Pages Created: 3	I agree with MH. I would sort it myself but I will never advise anybody else to undertake electrical tasks if they aren't competent and confident. A tip for the future or anybody else stripping paper. Before wetting the walls put a 6" piece of 2" wide parcel packing tape half on the socket and half on the paper above it. That way it's all but impossible for water to get behind the socket. Then when 99% of the paper is removed deal with the last bit with care and much less water. Better still knock of the circuit concerned. __________________ "PAGING MR MORROW, MR TOM MORROW..." ''I drink Wine and know things'' DVC Owners at SSR since 2003. Multiple annual visits to America since 1976