How to Fix That One Annoying Outlet In Your House That Never Works Right

Having one outlet that never seems to work properly can be extremely frustrating. But before you call an electrician, there are a few simple things you can try on my own to hopefully get it functioning again.

Inspect the Outlet

The first step is to turn off the power and remove the cover plate so I can inspect the outlet wiring. I'll want to check for a few common issues:

• Loose wires - Wiggle the wires to see if any are loose or disconnected. This could cause intermittent power. I'll tighten any loose wire connections.

• Burn marks - Look for any scorching or burn marks on the wires or outlet itself. This can indicate an electrical short and the outlet will need to be replaced.

• Faulty wiring - Inspect the condition of the wires. If the insulation is cracked or wires are exposed, this is a fire hazard and I'll need to re-wire the outlet.

• Corrosion - Check for any green or white corrosive buildup on the wires. This can prevent a solid connection. I'll clean off any corrosion.

• Backstab connections - Outlets are sometimes wired by inserting wires into holes in the back of the outlet. These "backstabs" can loosen over time, causing problems. I'll rearrange any backstab wires to connect to the screws instead.

Check the Circuit Breaker

If the outlet's wiring looks fine, the next place to check is the circuit breaker or fuse box. Here's what to look for:

• Tripped breaker - If the circuit breaker for that outlet has tripped, I'll reset it to the "ON" position. This may provide power again.

• Faulty breaker - Try flipping the breaker OFF and back ON a few times. If it immediately trips again, the circuit breaker itself may be faulty and need replacing.

• GFCI outlet - If the outlet is connected to a GFCI circuit, make sure the GFCI outlet hasn't tripped. I can reset the GFCI by pressing the "Reset" button.

Replace the Outlet

If I've inspected the wiring and circuit breaker but the outlet still doesn't work, the outlet itself is likely faulty. Replacing the outlet is an easy fix:

• Turn off power and remove old outlet
• Disconnect and remove old wires
• Connect wires to new outlet (matching wire colors)
• Secure outlet and wires
• Turn power back on and test

Be sure to get an outlet rated for the circuit voltage. Replacing with the wrong type of outlet can create a hazard. I may also want to upgrade to a tamper-resistant outlet for safety.

When to Call an Electrician

Some electrical issues are best left to the pros. I'll call a licensed electrician if:

• I open the outlet and find aluminum wiring - This can cause dangerous electrical connections
• The outlet feels hot - A hot outlet indicates a serious problem
• I notice scorch marks inside the electrical box - This points to dangerous electrical arcing
• The circuit breaker immediately trips again after resets - Likely a short circuit
• I don't feel fully comfortable working with electrical wiring

Replacing an outlet is usually an easy DIY job. But anything beyond my skill level is better handled by a professional electrician who can safely diagnose and repair the issue.

Conclusion

With a systematic approach, I can troubleshoot and fix most minor outlet issues myself. I'll start by inspecting the outlet wires and connections. I'll also check the circuit breaker for any problems. Replacing the outlet is often the solution if it's faulty. But for any signs of unsafe electrical conditions, I'll be sure to call in an electrician. With a few simple steps, I can safely get that annoying outlet working properly again.