An old house can charm a homeowner, but faulty and old wiring can lead to a serious need for electrical repair. Knowing the signs of aging wires can help you prevent serious fires or other damage to your home. Read up on five red flags of old wiring.

How Do You Know When Old Wires Need Electrical Repair?

1. Burning Outlets

If you go to plug something into an outlet and notice too much heat or a burning smell, stop using that outlet. An outlet that seems like it’s burning can point to failing old wiring. This puts your walls at risk of catching fire from the inside, so you will want to call an experienced electrician as soon as you notice the smell or heat.

2. Popping or Sizzling

Like burning touches or smells, sounds can guide you towards signs of old wiring. If you hear popping or sizzling sounds from your outlets or walls, you should call your electrician. These sounds can hint at old wires sparking and shorting, or they might be early signs of a fire. You will want to investigate this quickly to mitigate any damage.

3. Flickering Lights

If you flip the switch to a light and it flickers, your first instinct may be to change the bulb. But if your new bulb still flickers, this may mean that the wires can no longer supply enough power to the light fixture. These old wires will need replacing fast because if they short out, they can lead to an electrical fire.

4. Tripped Breakers

New homes don’t often experience circuit breakers tripping. But older homes may experience several power failures due to aging wiring, whether it’s failing in one room or all over. If the circuit breaker in your home starts to trip more often, you will need to contact your electrician to investigate the issue and see where the electrical outlets have gone bad in your home.

5. Rodent Droppings

Believe it or not, rodent droppings can hint at possible issues with your electrical setup. If you spot the leavings of furry intruders in your home, have an electrician come in as a precautionary measure. Even if your wiring isn’t necessarily old, the electrician can detect if rodents have chewed through your wires, as well as tell you how long ago the damage occurred. This can help you prevent future issues that you may have let go without knowing.

The electrical repair experts at H & N Plumbing, Heating & Electrical, can diagnose and fix your home’s old wiring to prevent future damage. Homeowners in Fennimore, WI, have depended on their high quality and affordable service for over 60 years. Visit their website to learn more about their electrical expertise, or call (888) 822-3258 to schedule your home inspection.