Water coming out of kitchen electrical plug plate

Hi there,
I just moved into a townhouse and we are experiencing the first rains here, it's a severe rain storm. Over the last weekend, I noticed that some of the calking along the kitchen counter was missing, so I re-calked it. I got home today to find water coming out of the plate in the kitchen wall where one plugs in appliances above where I re-calked. It is pooling rather badly on the counter, thankfully it is an outlet that is not being used. It is on a shared wall with my neighbor who says they are not seeing any water issues. Any idea what this could be? I suspect that this may have been an ongoing issue with the previous owner, and they may hot have noticed it due to the fact that some of the calking was missing and I bet the water was dripping down behind the lower cabinet. I am not sure if I need a plumber, roofer or what! Any advice or help would be greatly appreciated.

 

You need a roofer but first must remove the shock potential created by the outlet leaking water. You need to open the circuit breaker powering the outlet leaking water (also removes power from any other loads on that breaker). If you need the other loads on the breaker, you will need an electrician to remove the outlet, remake any circuits if needed before turning the breaker back on. If you just purchased the home, check the disclosure statement provided by the seller. I can't believe the caulking disclosed the leak. Also check with your lawyer to see what options you have for remedy from the seller.. Finally, since you share a inner wall with a neighbor, you must also share the roof. There has to be an association that addresses problems with common areas such as roofs.Once you are sure the roof leak is fixed, have the electrician reinstall the outlet. Good luck.

 

What is above the outlet? Any bathrooms or just the roof or windows?

 

It's not absolutely a roof issue... it could also be a siding or window issue if wind blown rain was hitting that wall beneath the soffit. No way to know for sure until you tear into it.

 

With no location in your profile we will have to guess on some ideas.
Snow and ice on the roof?
Likely cause and ice dam from not enough insulation in the attic and poor roof venting.
Plumbing roof vent near that area on the roof, likely a leaking roof boot seal.
HOA to deal with outside issues?

 

Thank you to everyone. There is no window, snow or ice and just the roof above the kitchen - my unit is on one level. I am located in Northern California. The Home Owner's Association is going to send out a tradesman by Friday to inspect and correct the issue. I will post an update when this gets fixed. I truly appreciate everyone's advice and input - thank you all.
~Paula

 

Problem solved! The HOA sent a roofer out yesterday, he climbed up onto the roof and fixed the issue. It seems it was a leak in the flashing near the AC unit. He sealed it and so far so good. We had a good drenching of rain last night and this morning my kitchen was fine - no water. Thank you again to all for your input. Have a wonderful weekend!