Burnt Washing machine plug and wall socket

[chrischarles]

Hello

My dear old mother tried to clean the tiles in our utility room by using a damp rag and I think some water may have dripped into our plug socket which is connected to the washing machine. She removed the washing machine plug whilst she was cleaning the tiles and plugged it in afterwards. The machine powered on but was not in use at the time.


A bit later I came into the utility room and noticed the wall socket was charred black. I rushed over and pulled the plug out and saw that in addition to the wall socket, the washing machine plug itself (and its fuse) was also charred and completely black. We were very very lucky there wasn’t a fire.


Now the plug socket needs to replaced and the washing machine plug needs to replaced too. I am not sure if this is something I can do myself or if I need a qualified professional to do, especially given the reason for the damage?


I was thinking of just going down to screwfix and buying a wall plug socket and replacing the burnt one in the wall. My worry is if there is any damage to the wires behind it but I don’t know how to check this or if it would be obvious? I haven’t attempted to replace a wall socket before so I would largely rely on youtube videos to help me out.


For the washing machine I was also thinking of getting a plug, cutting the washing machine plug off, stripping the cable a bit and fixing a new plug? I have replaced a plug before for small household appliances but I don’t know if the washing machine plug needs a special type to handle the power. It was enclosed and looked a bit heavy duty but would a standard one like any kettle/microwave uses, be okay?


Calling in a professional would be expensive and it would be a shame if this was something I could do myself. I’d be very grateful for any advice. Ive included pictures and also before and after I cleaned up the scorch marks a bit on the wall socket.

 

[brianmoooore]

Same tiles in my mother's kitchen as well. Only removed them four years ago, when the room was refurbished.

 

[littlespark]

In my granny’s house too.

When we took them off, it had written on the back
“Hand painted on Liverpool by Telectrix”

 

[pirate]

I have seen those tiles in hyundreds of homes. Generally referred to as "chicken tiles" because there is a sort of outline of a chicken on them. They came in several colours, I mean the tiles were basically a white background but the chickens came in black, blue, green, maroon and yellow.

 

[brianmoooore]

the tiles were basically a white background but the chickens came in black, blue, green, maroon and yellow.

And brown. My mother had those in the living room.

 

[Electro-tech]

4-1/4 inch square, my version was a Robin in the snow. Yeh, green tiles with an Avacado Bathroom Suite, very posh in its day.

 

[Midwest]

Yeah enough about the tiles. Wish I hadn't mentioned it now.

 

[pirate]

I'm glad you did...a piece of social history is always interesting!