How to Easily Fix the 3 Most Common Electrical Outlet Problems in Your Home

As a homeowner, having issues with your electrical outlets can be frustrating and even dangerous if not addressed properly. Fortunately, many common electrical outlet problems are easy fixes that you can do yourself. Here are the 3 most common electrical outlet issues in homes and how to resolve them.

1. Loose Electrical Outlets

Loose or wobbly outlets are one of the most common electrical issues in homes. This happens when the outlet itself becomes loose within the electrical box due to repeated plugging and unplugging. Some signs your outlets are loose include:

• The outlet moves/wobbles when you plug in a cord
• There are sparks when plugging in appliances
• Your plugs partially fall out of the outlet

Loose outlets are a fire hazard and should be fixed right away. Here's a simple step-by-step to tighten a loose outlet:

What You'll Need

• Phillips screwdriver
• Needle nose pliers
• Electrical tape

Steps to Fix a Loose Outlet

1. Turn off the circuit breaker for that outlet
2. Unscrew and remove the outlet cover plate
3. Unscrew each screw holding the outlet in place
4. Firmly grip the outlet with pliers and tighten the screws
5. Wrap electrical tape around the outlet box screws for extra hold
6. Screw the outlet cover plate back on
7. Turn circuit breaker back on

Checking for loose outlets annually and tightening the connections prevents fires. I also recommend replacing old outlets every 10 years.

2. Outlet Not Working

If you have an outlet that suddenly stops working, there are a few possible causes:

• Tripped circuit breaker - Check the breaker box and reset any tripped breakers
• Faulty outlet - The outlet itself has failed and needs replacing
• Disconnected or damaged wiring - Internal outlet wiring has come loose
• GFCI outlet tripped - If the outlet has a GFCI reset button, try resetting it

Here's how to troubleshoot and fix an outlet not working:

What You'll Need

• Voltage tester
• Replacement outlet, if needed
• Electrical tape

Steps to Fix Non-Working Outlet

1. Plug a voltage tester into the outlet and check for power
2. If no power, check the circuit breaker
3. Turn off breaker, remove cover plate, and inspect wires for damage
4. Check if any wires have come loose and reconnect them
5. If outlet won't reset, the outlet has failed - replace it
6. If it's a GFCI outlet, press the "Reset" button
7. Wrap connections in electrical tape and re-install outlet
8. Turn circuit breaker back on and re-test outlet

Replacing an outlet is easy with some basic electrical skills. If the wiring itself is damaged, you may need an electrician.

3. Childproofing Outlets

Once kids are crawling and exploring outlets, preventing them from sticking items into the slots becomes a top priority. Here are a few simple ways to make outlets more childproof:

• Outlet covers - Inexpensive plastic outlet covers slide right over unused outlets to block access
• Outlet plugs - Outlet plugs insert into the wall sockets to prevent foreign objects from being inserted
• GFCI outlets - GFCI outlets have built-in circuit breakers that trip at the slightest electrical spike
• Re-locate outlets - In rooms like nurseries, placing outlets higher up keeps them out of a child's reach

I recommend using outlet covers and plugs for all unused outlets and replacing standard outlets with GFCI outlets in family spaces like kitchens, bathrooms, and play rooms. Keeping outlets high up is also an easy tip.

With some basic DIY electrical skills, you can easily resolve the most common outlet issues. However, if you ever feel unsure about electrical repairs, always consult a licensed electrician to avoid safety hazards. With the right materials and safety precautions, you can keep your home's electrical system running smoothly.