Outlet Not Working? What to Check Before You Call
Short answerAn outlet that stops working often has a tripped GFCI somewhere else on the circuit, a tripped breaker, or a wall switch controlling it. Check those three things and press reset on nearby GFCI outlets. If it still has no power, or feels hot or smells burnt, stop using it and call an electrician.
Safety first
- Do not take the cover off an outlet or touch the wires. Finding and fixing wiring faults is a job for an electrician.
- Stop using an outlet that is hot, discolored, buzzing, sparking or smells burnt, and turn off its breaker if you can do that safely.
- If you get a shock from the faceplate or screws, turn off the circuit at the panel and do not touch it again until an electrician checks it.
Likely causes
| Cause | How to tell | What fixes it |
|---|---|---|
| Tripped GFCI on the same circuit | Several outlets are dead, and a GFCI in a bathroom, kitchen, garage, basement or outside has popped. | Press RESET on each GFCI. One GFCI can protect outlets in other rooms. |
| Tripped breaker | A whole room or area has lost power, and a breaker handle is off or in the middle. | Turn it fully off, then on, once. |
| Controlled by a wall switch | Other outlets in the room work, and there is a switch with no clear purpose. | Flip the switch and test again. |
| Loose connection or worn outlet | No power with everything reset, or plugs fall out easily. | An electrician repairs the connection and replaces the outlet. |
Why this is a job for a professional
- No power after you check every GFCI, breaker and switch.
- It is warm, discolored or smells burnt, or there are sparks or buzzing.
- You get any shock, even a mild tingle.
- Ask: what caused it, a loose connection or a bad outlet? Did you check the other outlets on this circuit? Should this outlet be GFCI or AFCI protected? Is the home's wiring type a concern?
What it costs to have fixed
Outlet Replacement is estimated at $100 to $330 nationally. See your state
Common questions
Why is my outlet not working when the breaker is not tripped?
A GFCI outlet somewhere else on that line may have tripped. Check the bathrooms, kitchen, garage, basement and outdoors, and press RESET. If nothing changes, the cause may be a loose connection.
Why did my outlet stop working after a power outage?
NC State Extension suggests checking GFCIs after an electrical storm, so check GFCIs and breakers first. If it still has no power, call an electrician.
Is a dead outlet dangerous?
Often it is only a tripped device. But a loose connection can overheat, so treat heat, discoloration, sparks or a burning smell as a fire warning and turn the circuit off.
Can an outlet just go bad?
It can show signs of trouble. CPSC lists hot outlet covers, plugs that pull out of the receptacle easily, sparks, sizzling or buzzing sounds and an odor of overheated plastic as warning signs, and says to have a licensed electrician check your home's electrical system. We recommend that you stop using the outlet until then. Source
Related repairs
- Breaker Keeps Tripping? Causes and When to Call
- Ceiling Fan Not Working? Safe Checks Before You Call
- GFCI Won't Reset? Why It Happens and What to Do
- Lights Flickering in House? Causes and What to Do
Last verified 2026-11-01
Sources
- CPSC: Guide to Home Wiring Hazards — Hot faceplates, shocks from a faceplate, loose plugs, outlets tripping a breaker, and when to stop using a device
- NFPA: Electrical Safety Checklist — Warm or discolored outlets, sparks, and where GFCIs belong
- Leviton: How to Reset a GFCI Outlet After Lockout — Checking breakers and the GFCI, and calling a licensed electrician
- Leviton: Installing and Testing a GFCI Receptacle — A GFCI can feed other outlets on its load side, including outlets in other rooms
- NC State Extension: Preventative Home Maintenance — Checking GFCIs after an electrical storm
General information, not professional advice. Conditions, codes and prices vary. Turn off power, gas or water before any work, and hire a licensed professional when in doubt. Cost figures are our estimates, not quotes.