After water damage: planning electrical restoration

Start with safe access to the property

Do not enter water to reach the panel or retrieve an appliance. If you cannot shut off the power safely, move away and call Hydro-Québec at 1 800 790-2424. If you are in danger or cannot leave without coming into contact with water or energized equipment, call 911.

Once the situation is under control, do not turn the power back on yourself. Hydro-Québec requires an inspection by a master electrician after water infiltration. If service was interrupted remotely, the request to restore it must come from that professional. Tell other occupants about this restriction to prevent an accidental restart.

Learn more: Hydro-Québec — Water damage and flooding (French)

Drying and electrical inspection have different roles

Water can leave contaminants and damage components that later appear dry. The CMEQ’s checklist distinguishes equipment that can be assessed or repaired from equipment that must be replaced after submersion, including affected outlets, switches and circuit breakers.

Tell the electrician which rooms were affected, the water level you observed and which equipment was exposed. Mention water entering from a ceiling or wall, even if the panel seems far away. Ask for the scope of the inspection to be explained. Affected appliances may need a separate qualified repair technician: restoring the building’s power does not establish that its appliances are safe to use.

Learn more: CMEQ — Electrical checks after flooding (French PDF)

Document what you can without putting yourself at risk

The Autorité des marchés financiers recommends contacting your insurer or broker as soon as possible and gathering evidence of the losses. Take photos only from a safe location. Keep invoices and correspondence, and note the information provided by each person involved.

A simple file helps keep things clear when several teams are involved. Separate your observations from what still needs to be confirmed. For example, record that an outlet was below the water level rather than deciding yourself what caused an electrical fault.

• The date you noticed the damage, affected rooms and available photos.
• Your insurer’s contact details and claim number, if a claim has been opened.
• Quotes, invoices, authorizations and descriptions of completed work.

Learn more: AMF — Managing an insurance claim after a loss (French)

Distinguish urgent measures from permanent repairs

Clarify which interventions are needed to make the premises safe and which are planned for restoration. The AMF advises obtaining the insurer’s authorization before permanent repairs and keeping damaged property that may need to be examined. Emergency expenses are reimbursed only if the claim is accepted.

Protection depends on the policy and the type of water damage; some situations require an endorsement. Ask the insurer which coverage, limits and deductibles apply to your claim. An electrical quote describes work: it is not confirmation of insurance coverage.

Learn more: AMF — Managing an insurance claim after a loss (French) · AMF — Water damage and insurance coverage (French)

Keep a record of the return to service

At the end of the work, ask which components were checked or replaced, which circuits can be used and whether any restrictions remain. Keep this information with your claim file. If more work is planned, pass the instructions to the people involved so that drying, repairs and reconstruction can be coordinated.