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Roof Cleaning New Jersey · Jun 22, 2011

Outside electric....burning out an outlet

aaron61 · Guest

I would take this as a lesson learned and incorporate it into part of my "preparing the customer for what to expect" speech. I always add these experience to my list,although sometimes I get complacent and forget a few.
Examples would be once I have a signed agreement and am ready to start I let them know about open windows,bad fitting doors,any ripped screens or broken windows etc...
Also on my proposal it clearly states that they have some responsibility themselves when it comes to watering their plants when we leave and I tell them this again after I collect final payment.
I would add to the list that we are trying to get your home,or roof,as clean as possible so we cannot be responsible for any lack of maintenance issues or possible worn out electrical connections.Or something to that effect.

Guest

Roof Cleaning New Jersey wrote:
Its happened about 4 times in my career, including a most recent one. Customer said the breaker keeps tripping for an outside outlet, could I come back to look at it. I told her to call an electrician and see what he says. Im not qualified to repair it. I'll pay for it if I have to, no big deal. I try to be aware of shotty electric, bag open outlets, pull out plugs, etc. Looking on everyones take on how much responsibility we should take for things like this.

Hi Ed. We avoid direct contact with the mix on any electrical apperatus. If that's impossible, the we cover the outlet. (Sorry for stating the obvious).

The electrical problem that you describe is easily fixed presuming it's simply corrosion on the contacts of the receptacle from the SH. Feel free to give me a call and I'll explain in detail. It'll cost about a dollar in parts and take only a few minutes once you have the hang of it.

Roof Cleaning New Jersey · Jun 22, 2011

Just wanted to know how responsibility some are willing to take. I dont think anyone here is aiming for outlets when spraying.

Guest

Roof Cleaning New Jersey wrote:
Just wanted to know how responsibility some are willing to take. I dont think anyone here is aiming for outlets when spraying.

Of course Ed. I tend to think the 'burden of proof' is typically on the contractor. It's an easy fix to keep a client happy. That's all I meant. I'd fix it, even if I know we didn't do it. Hope you're having a great summer.

Roof Cleaning New Jersey · Jun 22, 2011

Thanks Ted. Busy=Good

Guest

ed i let them know right away. The first thing i look for is if they have watertight bubble covers on all outside outlets if no i tell them to either turn the breaker off or if they dont i let them know not to use the outlet until it dries out and that theres a possibility of them shorting out. Yes its an easy fix buy and outlet turn off the breaker change the outlet. If its not a gcfi outlet then tell them thats what it should be and make them pay for the outlet and you change it. If they want the same type of outlet then put the same type back and suggest they put the right cover on it. IE ( bubble cover).

Roof Cleaning Cleveland (216) 323-0552 · Jun 22, 2011

We were stripping wallpaper in a hospital and got some juice on a light switch. It started smoking. (I always thought 4 million in insurance was overkill) Wonder what a burnt down hospital would cost? Anyway I cut out the switch and replaced it. 5 minute job.

sweetwaterfish · Guest

It's amazing how many faulty GFIs we come across. I actually had my whole truck and trailer electrified last month. We use electric pumps typically plugged into customers house. It's our SOP to duct tape every exterior outlet to avoid issues. Not just tape over the holes either, but a full outlet sealing two to three inches around the outlet.

Chesapeake · Guest

We now do the same thing. On every house or building wash, we tape every outlet so that it is completly sealed from water. Sometimes I'm so surprised that peoples homes havent burned down, just from a hard rain. Alot of outlet covers are sealed with a foam gasket, and pulled snug to the siding. This can cause problems. The water runs down the siding, behind the foam gasket, and into the outlet box. Once full of water, the hot and neutral wires or posts start arcing, and set the outlet on fire. Most of the time the breaker does not kick off right away. Be aware of all exterior outlets!!

Roof Cleaning Little Rock Arkansas · Guest

We too tape all exterior outlets over, but they still pop every now and then.

Just fix it and keep them happy.

Guest

The high salt (sodium) content in the mix makes for a far better conductor than just plain 'ol water. Plain water doesn't conduct electricity very well, but add salt to it and look out........

Roof Cleaning Bradenton FL 941-822-2454 · Guest

Safety plugs any help? maybe then tape over? Kim R
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The Roof Cleaning Institute Of America Training & Certification Forum "Find A Certified Roof Cleaner Directory"

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