TL;DR:
- Check nearby outlets and light switches to see if more than one outlet is affected
- Inspect the circuit breaker panel and reset any tripped breakers
- Look for and reset any GFCI outlets that may control the dead outlet
- If the outlet still doesn't work, the issue may be loose, damaged, or outdated wiring
- Older homes are more likely to have wiring problems that require professional repair
- For safety, call a licensed electrician—Reliable Heating & Air can help Marietta homeowners fix non-working outlets safely
Learn What to Do If Your Outlet Stops Working
Your Marietta home should have functioning outlets — but only if the wiring has been updated and maintained. Unless you have a lot of electrical experience, it's best to call a professional for help. Here are the possibilities for why an electrical outlet stopped working and how to proceed safely.
Step 1: Check Other Outlets
If an electrical outlet stopped working, first check to see whether other outlets are live or not. Check light switches, and try powering on appliances in nearby outlets. If they're also not working, make a mental note of their location.
Step 2: Check the Breakers
To begin, locate the home's main circuit panel. Open the service panel and check if any circuits are tripped, particularly the one that controls the non-working outlet(s). A tripped breaker will be flipped to the opposite side compared to the other active breakers, which should all be aligned in one direction.
To reset the tripped breaker, move it firmly to the "off" position. As you do this, you should hear a distinct clicking sound. Afterward, switch the breaker to the "on" position.
If these steps don't fix the issue, it's possible that the line is blown, in which case you may need professional assistance to resolve the problem.
Step 3: Check the Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter
Electric codes require that ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets are installed in key areas where there's a high risk for electrical shock. These outlets will automatically shut down power to avoid overloading and shock. If the GFCI outlet is connected to standard outlets and one of the standard circuits has blown, it will affect the GFCI. Try resetting the outlet; if that doesn't resolve the problem, there's probably wiring that's loose in the outlet. Call for expert help.
Is Your Electrical Outlet Not Working? Hire a Pro to Fix It
The above are the extent of the steps a homeowner can safely do on her own. Other problems that could be at the root of your dead outlet include the following:
- Damaged wires: An electrician will remove the outlet and examine the wiring. Loose wires at the terminal screw, damaged wire insulation or burned wiring will cause an outlet to stop working. Additionally, wires that are connected at the stab-in connection are known to loosen with time, and wires at the connectors can also become loose.
- Older homes: Often, old wiring will simply stop working for no good reason at all. If the outlet or wiring is beyond repair, it's best to have an expert electrician do the work. An experienced eye can identify unsafe wiring, and a professional knows what to look for in terms of damage or significant problems with the home's wiring. While it may cost more to resolve the problem than you anticipated, you'll be glad that your home's electrical wiring is safe, and you'll reduce the risk of electrical shock and fire down the road.
When an outlet stops working, it can be more than just frustrating. It's often a sign that there's a problem inside the outlet or somewhere else in the home's wiring. Don't dismiss the problem. Get professional help. Call Reliable Heating & Air if an electrical outlet stopped working in your home. We're happy to help Marietta residents with electrical services like attic ventilators, basement remodeling, ceiling fan installations and maintenance programs. Give us a call today!
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