Electrical Safety Tips for a Bathroom Remodel

Bathroom remodels can be a fun and exciting way to work toward your dream house while adding some functionality and personality along the way! The choices are endless, from shopping for a new shower to planning the perfect vanity. However, bathroom remodeling comes with its own set of challenges, primarily regarding electricity.

One thing that always holds true is that electricity and water do not mix. Therefore, when you start your next bathroom remodel, there are several things to keep in mind to ensure your family and your home are safe from electrical hazards. So, we’ve got some electrical safety tips to remember during your bathroom remodel.

Always Hire a Professional

First and foremost, do-it-yourself (DIY) projects can be a blast to do around your own home. They give you a sense of pride and really make you appreciate your house more than you ever did before. However, some projects are best left to the pros, including a bathroom remodel.

Unless you’re a licensed electrician or plumber, you’ll likely run into several problems throughout the process that you won’t be sure how to handle. If you try to take these problems on yourself, you could end up with some costly mistakes. Not to mention, you’ll be endangering yourself, your family, and your home. Even a simple miswiring can lead to a fire in your bathroom. Not to mention, incorrectly fitting plumbing pipes together can lead to water damage. The potential for disaster is endless when it comes to amateur bathroom remodels. So, play it safe and call a professional when you want to remodel your bathroom, whether you’re looking for a shower installation in Pittsburgh or in another city.

Remember the GFCI Outlets

A ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlet is required in any bathroom. The purpose of these outlets is to discover if electricity is not on its intended path. If so, the GFCI will trip to stop the flow of electricity and prevent a potential hazard. Your professional contractor, such as your Arlington, TX electricians, will already be aware of this.

However, not all GFCI outlets are the same. These outlets come in many different styles and colors, making them another customizable part of your remodel. For example, they come in tamper-resistant models, perfect for homes with children, and even models fitted with an audible alarm so you can hear if the outlet has tripped or not. Knowing your preference will help your contractor find the right fit for you.

Be Aware of Lighting Choices

You should be aware of your potential lighting choices. For example, pendant and other hanging lights might look more attractive for your bathroom design. However, they’re not as safe as enclosed ceiling lights or recessed lighting in the bathroom. If hanging lights are non-negotiable for you, ensure they’re safely away from water sources and out of reach from anyone who may still be wet after using the tub or shower.

Safety Tips for When You’re Finished

Once your remodel is complete, you’ll still need to keep an eye out for potential electrical hazards. Be proactive when it comes to switches and outlets that feel warm to the touch, frequently tripped GFCIs, and flickering lights. These are signs of an electrical problem needing to be addressed by a licensed electrician as soon as possible.

Keep track of your plug-in appliances’ cords, such as blow dryers and hair straighteners. Their cords should be free of cracks and fraying, as they pose a fire hazard. Remember to turn off and unplug these appliances as well. You should also avoid bringing in too many plug-in devices, like radios and phone chargers. Every additional appliance you bring in can increase the chance of electrical shock or fire. For example, if they get knocked into a sink full of water.

Enjoy Your New Bathroom

With these safety tips for your bathroom remodel, you should have all the information to ensure a safe and successful remodel. The only thing left to do now is to enjoy your new bathroom!