The 5 most Common Problems with Your Electrical System

Have you ever been rushing to get ready, only for your lights to flicker and go out—again? Or maybe every time you plug in your hairdryer, you're stuck flipping the breaker. Frustrating, right? But beyond the inconvenience, these issues could be warning signs of bigger electrical problems that might put your home at risk.
At Integra Electrical, we've helped hundreds of homeowners in the Des Moines area—especially those with older homes—tackle these exact electrical headaches. We hear about these common issues from our customers every day and know how to fix them safely and efficiently.
In this article, we’ll break down the five most common electrical problems our customers bring to us and share practical solutions to keep your home safe, functional, and frustration-free. These problems include

• Flickering Lights
• Tripping Breakers
• Experiencing Shocks
• High Electricity Bills
• Power Outages

1. Why Are My Lights Flickering?

Flickering lights can be caused by several things. Sometimes, the fix is simple—like tightening a loose bulb. Before you call for a quote, always check the bulb first to see if that solves the issue.
However, if the flickering continues, it could be a sign of a more serious problem, such as old or faulty wiring. In older homes, outdated wiring is prone to loose connections, which can cause flickering.

When to Be Concerned: If you notice flickering frequently across multiple lights or if the flickering is accompanied by dimming or buzzing sounds, it’s crucial to address it immediately. These can be signs of a potentially dangerous electrical issue that needs professional attention.

Solutions for flickering lights

First, check and tighten all bulbs. You can also try to reduce your appliance usage on the same circuit to see if the flickering stops. If it doesn’t, we recommend calling a licensed electrician, as these issues could lead to overheating or even electrical fires.

2. Why Do My Breakers Keep Tripping?

A tripping breaker means the circuit breaker has automatically shut off power due to an overload on a specific circuit. This safety feature prevents potential electrical fires and damage.

The most common cause is an overloaded circuit, which happens when too many appliances or electronics are plugged into the same circuit. Another potential cause is damaged wiring, which can lead to a short circuit or ground fault. Short circuits cause sudden surges in electricity, immediately tripping the breaker. In some cases, the breaker itself may be faulty and need replacement.

When to be concerned: Frequent breaker trips, especially when they continue after resetting, are a sign that there could be a more serious underlying problem. If tripping breakers are accompanied by burning smells, buzzing sounds, or noticeable warmth around outlets or the breaker panel, these are critical warning signs. Such symptoms may indicate dangerous electrical issues like wiring damage or overloaded circuits, which could potentially lead to fires. These concerns should always be addressed immediately to ensure safety. 

Solutions For Tripping Breakers

Start by unplugging appliances one by one to see if a specific device is overloading the circuit. If the breaker stops tripping, the issue likely lies with that appliance or an overloaded circuit. Redistributing appliances across different circuits can help balance the load. If the breaker continues to trip after resetting or there are signs of burning smells, buzzing, or warmth around outlets, stop troubleshooting immediately. These are signs of more serious electrical issues that need professional attention.

3. Why Do I Keep Getting Shocked?

Even if it’s mild, getting shocked is always an unpleasant experience. While some shocks may seem harmless, they can indicate underlying electrical issues that shouldn’t be ignored. Sometimes, the cause is as simple as static electricity, which is common in dry environments, especially during winter. However, if you’re getting shocked when touching electrical appliances, outlets, or light switches, the cause could be more serious.
A common reason for shocks around light switches or outlets is faulty wiring, where loose or damaged wires can transfer electricity to surfaces they shouldn’t. Another possible cause is a poor grounding system in your home’s electrical setup. Without proper grounding, excess electrical energy has nowhere to go, increasing the risk of electrical shocks.

When to be Concerned: While occasional static shocks are generally harmless, you should be concerned if you experience shocks consistently when touching the same appliance, outlet, or switch. Shocks accompanied by burning smells, buzzing sounds, or scorch marks near outlets indicate serious electrical issues, such as damaged wiring or improper grounding. Additionally, if shocks occur near water sources like kitchens or bathrooms, the risk of electrical injury is much higher and should be addressed immediately.

Solutions For Shocks

If shocks seem related to static electricity, using a humidifier can help reduce dryness in the air. If you’re getting shocked by a specific appliance, try unplugging it and plugging it into a different outlet. If the shock stops, the issue is likely with the original outlet or its wiring. However, if the appliance still shocks you in another outlet, the problem may be with the appliance itself.

If shocks occur directly from outlets or switches—regardless of what’s plugged in—stop using them immediately. This could signal faulty wiring or poor grounding, which requires professional inspection to avoid serious risks.

4. Why is My Electricity Bill So High?

A higher-than-expected electricity bill can be frustrating. Sometimes, the cause is simple—leaving lights on for extended periods or running power-hungry appliances like ovens, space heaters, or air conditioners for long durations. However, if your usage habits haven’t changed, the problem could be more serious.

Damaged wiring can cause electricity to leak, leading to wasted energy and higher costs. Similarly, outdated appliances or electrical systems may consume more power than newer, energy-efficient models. In some cases, hidden electrical faults can lead to continuous energy drain, driving up your utility bill without obvious signs.

When to be Concerned: You should be concerned if your bill suddenly spikes without an increase in usage. Other warning signs include flickering lights, buzzing sounds, or warm outlets, which may indicate wiring issues or overloaded circuits. Appliances that run hotter than usual or circuit breakers that trip frequently can also point to electrical inefficiencies or faults contributing to higher energy consumption.

Solutions for High Electricity Bills.

Start by turning off lights and unplugging appliances when they’re not in use. Replacing older appliances with energy-efficient models can also reduce energy usage. If your bill remains high despite these changes, the issue may be faulty wiring or outdated electrical systems causing energy leaks. In such cases, an electrical inspection can help identify hidden problems and ensure your system runs efficiently.

5. Why Does My Power Keep Going Out?

Power outages in your home can be frustrating, especially when they happen repeatedly. Some outages are caused by external factors, like power line issues after storms or fallen trees, others may point to problems within your home’s electrical system.

A common cause of power outages is an overloaded circuit, which happens when too many appliances are plugged in and running at once. This overload forces the circuit breaker to shut off power to prevent overheating. Other potential causes include damaged wiring, which can interrupt the flow of electricity or a faulty breaker that can no longer handle the electrical load and needs replacement.

When to be Concerned: If the outage affects only part of your home and none of your neighbors are affected, but no breakers appear tripped, the issue could be with your main breaker or the utility company’s connection to your home. Weather, soil movement, or corrosion can damage these lines over time. In this case, it’s best to call your power company, they can quickly check if the problem is on their end or yours.

Solutions to Power Outages

First, check if the outage affects your entire neighborhood or just your home. If it’s isolated to your home, try resetting any tripped breakers by switching them fully off and back on. To prevent future outages, avoid plugging multiple high-wattage appliances into the same circuit. If outages continue in the same area or the breaker trips repeatedly, it’s likely a sign of wiring issues or a faulty breaker that requires professional inspection.

Where do I go now? 

Now that you understand the common electrical problems and when it’s time to call an electrician, the next step is choosing the right professional. Decide whether an Independent Electrician or an Electrical Company is right for your home to ensure your home stays safe and your electrical system runs smoothly.