The short answer
Safety First
Water and electricity are a dangerous mix. If an outlet gets wet, the first step is to cut power to that circuit at the breaker panel. Turn off the breaker for the affected room or area, and leave it off until the outlet is dry and checked.
Do not touch the outlet or any plugged-in device while it is wet. If you are unsure which breaker controls the outlet, turn off the main breaker to be safe. Wear rubber-soled shoes and use dry hands or tools when working near the panel.
Drying the Outlet
Once the power is off, remove the cover plate if possible and use a clean, dry cloth or paper towels to soak up visible moisture. For deeper moisture, a fan or a hair dryer on a low, cool setting can help circulate air around the opening.
Do not use heat on plastic parts, as it may warp them. Leave the outlet open to air for several days. If you have a dehumidifier, run it in the room to speed up drying. The longer you wait, the safer it becomes.
- Turn off the breaker before touching anything
- Remove the cover plate carefully with a screwdriver
- Blot moisture with a dry cloth, do not rub
- Use a fan or low-cool hair dryer to circulate air
- Leave the outlet open for at least 48 hours
- Keep children and pets away from the area
When to Call a Pro
If water entered the outlet through the opening or if the wall around it is wet, you may need an electrician to inspect the wiring. Water can damage internal components even after the surface feels dry.
An electrician can check for corrosion, short circuits, and other hazards. If the outlet is part of a larger water damage situation, local water damage pros can handle the structural drying and dehumidification, which helps prevent mold and further damage.
Preventing Future Issues
To avoid wet outlets, keep appliances away from sinks, tubs, and areas where leaks occur. Use ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets in kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor locations, as they cut power quickly if water is detected.
Inspect your home for roof leaks, plumbing issues, and condensation that could drip onto outlets. Keep an eye on attics and crawl spaces after heavy rains. Fixing small leaks early can prevent larger problems.
What the Pros Do
Local water damage pros often work alongside electricians to dry out affected areas. They may use specialized dehumidifiers and moisture meters to ensure walls and outlets are thoroughly dry before power is restored. This reduces the risk of hidden damage.
They also address the source of the water, whether it is a pipe leak, roof issue, or flooding. By combining their drying techniques with an electrician's inspection, you can be more confident about the safety of your electrical system.
- Use moisture meters to check hidden dampness
- Set up industrial dehumidifiers to dry walls
- Coordinate with electricians for safety checks
- Help dry out surrounding materials like drywall
- Advise on when it is safe to restore power
Water damage does not wait
Water keeps spreading into floors and walls, so it is worth acting early. Calls are answered 24/7.
Call Now (801) 383-0232Frequently asked questions
Can I use a hair dryer to dry an outlet?
Yes, but use the cool or low heat setting and hold it several inches away. Heat can damage plastic parts. Keep the hair dryer moving and do not concentrate it in one spot. After a few minutes, let the outlet air dry naturally.
How long does it take for an outlet to dry?
It depends on how wet it got and the humidity in the room. Typically, surface moisture dries in a day or two, but deeper moisture inside the wiring can take several days. Using a dehumidifier speeds up the process.
Is it safe to use an outlet after it dries?
Only if you are sure it is completely dry and you have turned the power back on. If there is any doubt, have an electrician check it. Water can cause corrosion and short circuits that are not visible from the outside.