If my house is flooded, will it need to be rewired?

A lot of people become concerned that if their home becomes flooded, this will mean an immediate overhaul of the wiring systems. But fortunately, this is not always the case.

In some situations, if there has been significant damage to the wiring, you may need to have the entire property rewired.

Conversely, if there is no damage, you will not need to replace the wiring. However, in the unfortunate event that your home is affected by floodwater, we would always advise having the electrics checked before using them. Typically, this only happens in the event of major flooding.

Will my house be without power during the rewiring?

Unfortunately, the power supply will need to be turned off during the rewiring.

Is there anything I need to do before the rewiring starts?

Most of the work will be undertaken by your electricians; that is what they are there for, after all. However, your input will be required before the project begins and this will typically involve you assessing your needs to work out what needs to be done.

For example, you will need to think about whether you need any power outlets relocating or new ones adding in. You will also need to consider the type of fixtures and fittings that you would like.

Quite often, additional costs are incurred because a homeowner changes their mind about certain aspects halfway through the job. While this is possible, it may put the price up as backwards steps may need to be taken.

However, to avoid this, make sure you chat to your electrician about all of your options before committing to anything. This way, you can be confident that you have made the right decisions.

Furthermore, rewiring a house is a messy process and as such, it can be a good idea to prepare your home. This might include placing dust covers over furniture and removing any valuable items that could get accidentally broken.

How do I know how old my wiring is?

Without having trained in electrics, it can be difficult to know when your wiring was installed. But the good news is that there are some clear signs that can give you a good indication to the age of the wiring.

• Before the 1960s, some cables were coated in fabric or lead but this was phased out and should no longer be in use.
• After this, in the sixties, cables coated with black rubber were discontinued and as such, should no longer be used.
• If your fuse box has iron switches or a wooden back, this is a sign that it is vastly outdated.
• Bathroom light switches that are mounted on the wall may be pre-1960s.
• Any fixtures such as power outlets in the skirting boards, round pin sockets, black sockets or flex from a ceiling rose are all outdated and signs that the electrical wiring is out of date.

Does my whole house have to be rewired?

In some cases, you may not need to have the entire house rewired. It is possible to do a partial rewiring although when doing this, you should make sure that any changes are documented for future reference.

You should also consider whether you may find yourself doing the remaining half of the house sooner rather than later. If this may be the case, it is probably worth biting the bullet and doing the whole house now.

Conclusion

While there is no rule for when you need to rewire your house or how often, it is a good idea to have the wiring inspected by a qualified electrician every ten years. If you are renting a property to tenants, this needs to be done every five years.

Your electrician will be able to advise you as to whether your system needs upgrading but there are also signs that you can look out for yourself. For example, flickering lights when using certain appliances, fuses that trip regularly or stained power outlets could all signify that the home needs upgrading.

Ignoring the problem may lead to electrical fires and a risk to your safety, so it is always wise to address the issue. While a whole-house rewiring is a big job, the benefits far outweigh the inconvenience.

If you would like to know more about the benefits of keeping your home electrical circuits updated, why not download our FREE ebook below or request a quotation: