An outlet that suddenly stops working is most often on a tripped GFCI outlet somewhere else on the circuit, a tripped breaker, or a wall switch that controls it. Check those three first. If none of them brings it back, the likely cause is a loose or failed connection in that outlet or one nearby, which needs a licensed electrician. If the outlet is warm, discolored, buzzing or smells like burning plastic, stop using it and call right away.
1. Look for a tripped GFCI
One GFCI outlet can protect several ordinary outlets downstream, and they are not always in the same room. A dead bathroom outlet may be fed by a GFCI in another bathroom; a dead garage or patio outlet may be fed by one in the garage. Press the RESET button on every GFCI in the kitchen, bathrooms, garage, basement and outdoors. See GFCI protection.
2. Check the breaker
Open your panel and look for a breaker that sits in the middle position or doesn’t line up with the others. Push it fully to OFF, then back to ON, once. If it trips again, leave it off and call an electrician. Don’t keep resetting it, and don’t remove the panel cover.
3. Try the wall switch
In many living rooms and bedrooms, one half of an outlet (or the whole outlet) is controlled by a wall switch for a lamp. Flip nearby switches before assuming the outlet failed.
4. Signs it’s a wiring problem
- Several outlets in a row are dead but no breaker or GFCI is tripped.
- The outlet works when you wiggle the plug, or plugs fall out easily.
- The outlet or cover plate is warm, scorched or cracked.
- Lights on the same circuit flicker.
These usually point to a loose connection at a device. Many older outlets were wired using the push-in (backstab) holes on the back, which can loosen over time. A loose connection makes heat, so it shouldn’t be left alone.
What an electrician does
We test the circuit to find where power stops, open the outlets on that run, and repair or replace the failed connection or device. If the outlet is in a kitchen, bathroom, garage, basement or outdoors, we make sure it has the GFCI protection it needs. In older homes we also check for ungrounded outlets and aluminum wiring. See electrical repair.
Get it checked in Loveland and Northern Colorado
Eggers Electric is a locally owned Loveland electrician, here since 1973, with a Google 4.9 rating from 400+ Google reviews. Every visit includes the repair, installation or service you called us for, plus the $89 Eggers Safety Inspection: a licensed electrician finds the cause and gives you a written price before work starts, and the $89 is credited toward the job when you go ahead. Call 970-669-1883 (7 days, 7am–8pm) or Schedule Service.
Frequently asked questions
Why would half my outlets stop working at once?
Usually a tripped breaker or GFCI. If neither is tripped, a loose connection at one outlet can cut power to the outlets after it on the same circuit. That needs an electrician.
Is a dead outlet dangerous?
A dead outlet by itself isn’t, but the loose connection that often causes it can overheat. If the outlet is warm, scorched or smells like burning, stop using it and call an electrician.
Can a GFCI in one room control outlets in another?
Yes. One GFCI can protect outlets further along the circuit, including in another room or the garage.
How much does it cost to fix an outlet that stopped working?
It depends on what caused it. Every visit includes the repair, installation or service you called us for, plus the $89 Eggers Safety Inspection, and the $89 is credited toward the repair when you go ahead.