Schematic Star

How to Easily Fix that One Weird Outlet in Your House That Doesn’t Work Right

Having an outlet in your house that doesn't work properly can be annoying and unsafe. But fortunately, with a few basic tools and some troubleshooting, I can usually diagnose and repair a faulty outlet fairly easily. Here's my guide to tracking down and resolving common outlet issues.

What Causes Outlets to Malfunction?

There are a few main reasons why an outlet may stop working correctly:

Loose wiring

Over time, vibrations and movement can cause the wires behind an outlet to become loose. This interrupts the flow of electricity and causes the outlet to flicker or stop working.

Faulty outlet

The outlet itself may be worn out or damaged. Outlets gradually degrade over 10-20 years of use. The contacts inside can corrode or break, preventing a solid connection.

Tripped breaker

If an outlet suddenly stops working, it may be because the circuit breaker controlling it has tripped. This is the home's electrical system protecting itself from overload.

Faulty GFCI

Outlets connected to a GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) can sometimes stop working if the GFCI trips. Resetting the GFCI restores power.

Bad wiring

In rare cases, the wiring inside the outlet box or along the circuit has become compromised. This requires calling an electrician.

Diagnosing the Issue

When I notice an outlet not working properly, I systematically go through these steps to diagnose the problem:

1. Plug lamp into outlet to test

First, I plug a lamp or other appliance directly into the suspect outlet to verify it's not working. If the lamp works, the issue may be with a device instead.

2. Check circuit breaker

Next, I go to the breaker box and check to see if the breaker controlling that circuit has tripped. If it has, I switch it fully off and then on again to reset it.

3. Test GFCI outlets

If the outlet is connected to a GFCI, I press the "Test" and "Reset" buttons on the GFCI to see if that restores power.

4. Plug lamp into other outlets

I check whether outlets 'upstream' and 'downstream' from the problem outlet are working, to help isolate the issue.

5. Inspect the outlet

Removing the outlet cover, I look for any loose or burnt wires, or damage/corrosion to the outlet itself. I tighten any loose screw terminals.

6. Wiggle wires

I take the outlet out from the box and wiggle the wires to see if there's an intermittent connection. If power comes back on when I wiggle, the wiring is likely loose.

Repairing the Faulty Connection

Once I've determined the cause of the faulty outlet, I can fix many issues myself fairly easily:

Tightening loose wires

I unplug power. Then I detach each wire and use a screwdriver to tighten the screw terminals. I reattach the wires securely and restore power.

Replacing old outlet

For a worn-out outlet with damaged contacts, I disconnect it, attach the wires to a brand new outlet, and install that in its place.

Resetting GFCI

If a GFCI trips, I press its "Reset" button firmly. If it won't reset, the GFCI may need replacing.

Rewiring connection

For loose wiring in the box, I disconnect the outlet and splice all the wires together with twist-on wire connectors. This creates fresh, tight connections.

When to Call an Electrician

While many outlet issues I can fix myself, there are times to call a professional electrician:

Problems with outlets can be frustrating, but with some basic diagnostic tests and repairs, I'm usually able to restore power quickly. When in doubt, contacting a licensed electrician is always the safest option. With the right knowledge and precautions, I can solve most minor outlet issues myself.