Why Is Faucet Shocking: 7 Crucial Steps to Fix It

Experiencing a shock from a seemingly harmless household fixture like a faucet can be confusing and worrisome. It’s not only crucial to understand why this happens but also how to take measures to prevent such occurrences.

In this article, we will delve into the reasons a faucet can become electrified, the risks it engenders, and the steps needed to fix and prevent this from happening in the future.

Table of contents

Why is the faucet shocking?

Faucets can sometimes give a shocking sensation when touched due to an electrical issue called an “electric shock hazard.” This occurs when there is a faulty or incomplete grounding system in the plumbing or wiring of the faucet.

When the faucet is touched, it creates a path for the electrical current to flow through the person’s body, resulting in a mild electric shock. It is essential to address this issue promptly to ensure the safety of individuals using the faucet and to prevent any further electrical hazards.

What causes a faucet to become electrified?

There are a few possible causes for a faucet to become electrified:

Faulty wiring in the electrical system: If there is a problem with the wiring in your home, it could lead to an electrical current flowing through the faucet.

Grounding issues: If the plumbing system is not properly grounded, it can create a pathway for electricity to flow through the faucet.
Faulty appliances or devices: If a faulty appliance or device is connected to the water supply, it could cause an electrical current to pass through the faucet.
Lightning strikes: In rare cases, a lightning strike near your home can cause an electrical charge to travel through the plumbing system and electrify the faucet.

7 crucial steps to take when your faucet shocks you

Step 1: Turn off the water supply

When you experience a shock from your faucet, the first step is to turn off the water supply. This will help minimize the risk of electric shock and prevent further incidents. Locate the shut-off valve near the faucet or at the main water supply, and turn it off.

Step 2: Disconnect electrical appliances

If you have any electrical appliances connected to the water supply, such as a dishwasher or washing machine, it is crucial to disconnect them immediately. This will eliminate any potential source of electricity that may be causing the shock.

Step 3: Shut off the circuit breaker

Locate the circuit breaker panel in your home and shut off the breaker that supplies electricity to the affected area. This will help cut off the power source and prevent any further electrical shocks.

Step 4: Contact a licensed electrician

It’s essential to reach out to a licensed electrician as soon as possible to inspect your electrical system and identify the cause of the shock. They will be able to diagnose and resolve any wiring or grounding issues that may be present.

Step 5: Avoid touching the faucet

To minimize the risk of electric shock, it is important to avoid touching the faucet until the issue has been resolved. Warn others in your household about the situation to prevent accidental contact with the electrified faucet.

Step 6: Inform others about the situation

Informing other members of your household about the electrified faucet is crucial to ensuring their safety. Advise them not to use the affected faucet until the issue has been resolved by a professional.

Step 7: Follow professional recommendations

Once the licensed electrician has inspected and repaired your electrical system, follow their recommendations and advice regarding using the faucet safely. They may suggest additional measures, such as installing ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) or updating wiring, to prevent future incidents.

How can you tell if your faucet is carrying an electric current?

It can be challenging to determine if a faucet is carrying an electric current without specialized equipment. However, there are some signs that may indicate an electrified faucet:

Tingling sensation: If you experience a tingling sensation or a mild shock when touching the faucet, it could be an indication of an electric current flowing through it.

Small shocks or sparks: If you notice small shocks or sparks when turning on or off the faucet, this could suggest an electrical issue.
Abnormal behavior of appliances: If electrical appliances connected to the water supply exhibit strange behavior, such as flickering lights or malfunctioning controls, it may be a sign of an electrified faucet.
Unusual noises: Buzzing, humming, or crackling sounds coming from the faucet can indicate an electrical current flowing through it.

Steps to be taken if you experience a shock from a faucet

If you experience a shock from a faucet, take the following steps:

Remove yourself from the source of the shock. Move away from the faucet immediately to minimize the risk of a further electric shock.
Ensure your safety: If you are still in contact with the faucet, use a non-conductive object, like a wooden or plastic item, to safely separate yourself from it. Do not use your hands or any conductive material.

Turn off the water supply. Locate the shut-off valve near the faucet or at the main water supply, and turn it off. This will help reduce the risk of electric shock and prevent further incidents.
Shut off the circuit breaker. Locate the circuit breaker panel in your home and shut off the breaker that supplies electricity to the affected area. This will help cut off the power source and mitigate the risk of electric shock.
Seek medical attention if necessary. If you experience any injuries or persistent discomfort from the shock, seek medical attention immediately. It is essential to prioritize your well-being and get proper medical evaluation and treatment when needed.

Contact a licensed professional: Reach out to a licensed electrician and plumber to inspect your electrical and plumbing systems. They will be able to identify the cause of the shock and resolve any underlying issues to prevent future incidents.

Electrical shocks can be dangerous, so prioritize your safety and seek professional assistance to address the situation effectively.

Can a shocking faucet pose serious health risks?

A shocking faucet can potentially pose serious health risks. When a faucet carries an electric current, it can lead to electric shock, which can have various effects on the human body.

While the severity of the health risks can vary depending on factors such as the strength of the current and the duration of exposure, it’s important to take these risks seriously.

Electric shocks can cause injuries ranging from minor discomfort to severe burns, muscle contractions, and even cardiac arrest in extreme cases. Also, if the electric current passes through the body, it can potentially affect the heart, nervous system, and other vital organs.

Moreover, prolonged exposure to an electrified faucet can lead to psychological distress and anxiety due to the fear of getting shocked again. This can impact overall well-being and quality of life.

To ensure your safety and well-being, address any issues with a shocking faucet promptly. Contacting licensed professionals, such as electricians and plumbers, can help identify and resolve the underlying electrical or plumbing problems, mitigating the health risks associated with an electrified faucet.

What preventive measures can be taken to avoid faucet shocks?

Regular maintenance and inspections: Schedule regular inspections of your electrical and plumbing systems by licensed professionals. This can help identify any potential issues before they become more serious and prevent the risk of faucet shocks.
Grounding: Ensure that your home’s electrical system and plumbing system are properly grounded. Proper grounding provides a pathway for electrical currents to safely dissipate, reducing the risk of shocks through the faucet.

GFCI outlets: Install ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets near water sources, such as sinks and faucets. GFCIs are designed to detect electrical imbalances and shut off the power quickly, providing an added layer of protection against electric shocks.
Avoid DIY electrical work. Unless you have the necessary expertise, avoid attempting electrical work on your own. Improper installations or repairs can lead to electrical issues that may cause faucet shocks. Always hire a qualified electrician for any electrical work in your home.
Use insulated tools: When working on your plumbing system, use insulated tools designed for electrical safety. This can help minimize the risk of accidental contact with live wires or conductive surfaces.

Water-resistant electrical appliances: Ensure that any electrical appliances installed near water sources, such as dishwashers or garbage disposals, are specifically designed to be water-resistant or waterproof. This reduces the likelihood of electrical currents reaching the faucet through these appliances.
Educate household members: Teach everyone in your household about the potential risks of faucet shocks and how to respond if they experience one. Emphasize the importance of immediately turning off the water supply, disconnecting appliances, and seeking professional help.

Certain materials and plumbing situations can lead to electric shocks from faucets

Galvanized or corroded pipes: Galvanized pipes or pipes with significant corrosion can disrupt the electrical conductivity of the plumbing system. This can create an increased risk of electric shock if there is a fault in the electrical system.

Improper grounding: Inadequate or improper grounding of the plumbing system can contribute to the risk of electric shock through faucets. Proper grounding provides a safe pathway for electrical currents to dissipate, reducing the chances of shocks.
Faulty electrical wiring: Faulty or deteriorating electrical wiring in your home can lead to electrical current leaking into the plumbing system. This can result in faucets carrying an electric current and posing a shock hazard.
Cross-connections with electrical systems: Cross-connections between electrical systems and plumbing systems can potentially lead to electric shocks through faucets. These cross-connections can occur when there are improper installations or faulty connections between electrical and plumbing components.

Incorrectly installed appliances: Appliances that are not properly installed or have faulty wiring connections can introduce electrical currents into the plumbing system. This can increase the risk of faucet shocks.

How can a plumbing system get connected to an electrical source?

A plumbing system can get connected to an electrical source through a phenomenon known as “stray current.” Stray current occurs when there is an unintended path for electrical current to flow through the plumbing system.

This can happen for a variety of reasons, including faulty wiring, inadequate grounding, or cross-connections between electrical and plumbing systems.

For example, if a live wire comes into contact with a water pipe that is not properly grounded, the electrical current can flow through the pipe and potentially electrify faucets or other plumbing fixtures connected to it.

Similarly, if there is improper installation or faulty connections between electrical appliances and the plumbing system, it can create a pathway for stray current to enter the plumbing system.

To prevent these connections and eliminate the risk of electric shock, ensure proper wiring, grounding, and installation practices in both the electrical and plumbing systems.

When to consider calling a plumber or an electrician to investigate the situation

You should consider calling a plumber or an electrician to investigate the situation if you experience any signs of electrical issues or potential hazards related to your plumbing system.

These signs include shocking sensations from faucets, unusual noises or sparks when using water fixtures, persistent plumbing leaks, or if you suspect a cross-connection between your plumbing and electrical systems.

Also, if you have recently had electrical work done in your home or if you suspect faulty wiring or grounding, it is advisable to seek professional help.

Licensed plumbers and electricians have the expertise to diagnose and address any underlying problems, ensuring the safety and functionality of both your plumbing and electrical systems.

How does electricity get transmitted through water?

Electricity can be transmitted through water when it becomes a conductor of electrical current. Water itself is not conductive, but impurities or dissolved minerals present in it, such as salts and ions, can make it conductive to some extent.

When an electrical current enters water, these charged particles facilitate the movement of electrons, allowing the current to flow through the water. This is why water plays a significant role in conducting electricity and why caution must be exercised when dealing with electrical systems near water sources.

Remember that the conductivity of water can vary depending on factors such as the concentration of impurities and the presence of dissolved substances.

How do professionals test for electrical issues in a plumbing system?

Professionals use a variety of methods to test for electrical issues in a plumbing system. Here are some common techniques:

Multimeter: Electricians may use a multimeter, a versatile diagnostic tool, to measure voltage, current, and resistance in different parts of the plumbing system. By testing various points along the plumbing lines, they can identify any abnormal electrical readings that could indicate an issue.

Grounding tests: Professionals may perform grounding tests to ensure that the plumbing system is properly grounded. This involves measuring the electrical continuity between different grounding points and the plumbing system to verify that a reliable path for stray current dissipation exists.
Insulation checks: Electricians may inspect the insulation around electrical wiring near plumbing lines. Damaged or deteriorated insulation can increase the risk of electrical contact with the plumbing system, so checking for any signs of wear or damage is crucial.
Leakage current tests: Leakage current tests involve measuring the flow of electrical current between the electrical system and the plumbing system. This can help identify any unintended connections or faulty installations that may lead to shock hazards in the plumbing system.

Visual inspections: Professionals will visually inspect the plumbing system and adjacent electrical components to check for any visible signs of wiring issues, improper connections, or corrosion that could contribute to electrical problems.