Do You Have Hidden Electrical Problems?

Schedule underground utility rewiring services around La Porte, Baytown or Deer Park, TX

Here at Power Surge Electric, we understand how important it is to have safe and reliable utility lines. That’s why we offer underground utility rewiring services in La Porte, Baytown, Deer Park, TX and surrounding areas – making sure that your utilities are functioning efficiently. Whether your lines are old or damaged, we’ll replace them as needed to guarantee that your utilities are secure and up to code.

Reach out soon to get underground utility rewiring services.

Underground Electrical Wiring: What Homeowners Need to Know

When it comes to underground wiring for your home, there’s a lot that most people don’t know—until there’s a problem. At Power Surge Electric, we believe in educating our customers so you can better understand what’s going on beneath your yard and what to do if something goes wrong.

Here are the four most important things to know about underground electrical lines.

1. Who Owns the Underground Wiring?

The first thing to determine is who is responsible for the underground wires leading to your home. Ownership depends on which utility company provides your power:

• CenterPoint Energy – In most areas, you (the homeowner) own the underground wiring. There are a few exceptions where CenterPoint owns it, so it’s worth calling them to confirm.
• Texas-New Mexico Power – The utility company owns the wiring, so they are responsible for maintenance and replacement if there’s an issue.
• Entergy – Same as Texas-New Mexico Power. Entergy owns and maintains the underground lines, so you won’t be on the hook for repairs.

Tip: If you’re unsure who owns the wire, a quick call to your local utility provider can save you a lot of confusion and potential cost.

2. Signs Your Underground Wiring May Be Failing

Underground wires don’t last forever, and problems can show up in different ways. Here are a few signs to watch for:

Partial Power in the Home

If some parts of your home have power while others don’t, this could be a sign of an issue with your underground lines.

Check 240-volt appliances like your AC condenser, electric stove or oven, electric water heater, and dryer.

If some of these aren’t working while others are, it’s likely an underground wiring issue or a tripped breaker on one leg of your power.

Lights Dimming or Flickering

If your lights blink or dim when turning on a major appliance like a microwave, hair dryer, or AC unit, this may indicate a bad neutral wire underground.

A bad neutral can be dangerous because it causes voltage imbalance, which can:

• Burn out TVs, computers, and electronics
• Damage appliances with circuit boards
• Cause lights to suddenly get very bright and even burst

Important: This problem should be checked immediately, as it can lead to costly damage and even electrical fires.

3. How to Proactively Detect Issues with a Ting Device

Many homeowners like having a way to double-check their electrical system themselves before calling for service. That’s where Ting comes in.

Ting is a small electronic device that plugs into a standard outlet in your home.

• It monitors the electrical system 24/7 for early warning signs of problems like:
• Failing underground wires
• Dangerous arcing and sparking
• Voltage drops or surges
• Bad neutrals or loose connections

The Ting app will send alerts straight to your phone, so you’ll know if something’s wrong before it causes serious damage.

Why we like Ting:

• Gives homeowners peace of mind and data they can trust
• Helps verify problems before scheduling service
• Often cheaper than a service call for initial diagnosis
• Can potentially prevent electrical fires

Pro Tip: Even if you end up needing repairs, having a Ting device can help you explain to your electrician exactly what was happening and when, which can save time and money.

We recommend Ting for customers who want extra protection and early warning of underground wiring issues.

4. Common Causes of Underground Wire Failure

Several factors can cause underground electrical wires to fail over time:

Aging Wires & Increased Load

Older homes often have direct-buried wiring without conduit. Over time, the insulation can deteriorate, especially if the home’s electrical demand has increased with things like:

• Electric vehicles (EVs)
• Garage mini-split AC units
• Electric dryers
• High-powered kitchen appliances like air fryers

When the wiring can’t handle the extra load, it can overheat, crack, and corrode.

Damage From Digging

Utility lines can be accidentally damaged by:

• Fence installers
• Plumbers
• Cable/internet providers (AT&T, Comcast, Verizon, etc.)
• Electricians or other contractors
• Even homeowners digging for landscaping projects

A small nick in the insulation can lead to corrosion and eventual failure.

Tree Roots

Roots can shift, squeeze, or break underground wiring over time. This is especially common in older neighborhoods with large trees.

Our Approach at Power Surge Electric

At Power Surge Electric, we don’t just replace your wiring—we diagnose the root cause of the problem.

• If we find that another contractor or utility company damaged your line, we will help you pursue reimbursement for the repair costs.
• We also use updated installation techniques, such as running wires through conduit, to help prevent future failures and make repairs easier down the road.