How to Fix a Wall Socket That Has Stopped Working

How to Fix a Wall Socket That Has Stopped Working

The comforts of modern living rely predominantly on sources of energy, including electricity. Without it, your television, smart phone, computer, HVAC system, and so forth would be nothing more than scrap metal. You might have an idea of what we are talking about if your wall outlets have stopped working. Fortunately, Mr. Electric of Atlanta is here to help you get back to enjoying the perks of the 21st century. In this short article, we will go over some of the common culprits in a faulty wall socket. If you prefer to leave this work to a certified electrician, then call Mr. Electric of Atlanta. Our friendly representatives and dedicated electricians are on standby to take your call.

Have You Tried Turning It Off and Back on Again?

It often works to fix computer problems, right? Jokes aside, you can, in fact, "reset" your outlets. This can be done in one of two ways.

The first way is through the electrical panel, often found in a utility room, laundry room, or the garage. Modern electrical panels are usually circuit breaker panels, but older homes might have fuse box panels. You can reset an outlet in a particular circuit by switching the corresponding circuit breaker to the "OFF" position and back "ON." We recommend you unplug all devices and appliances from the outlet before doing this.

If the outlet is a GFCI, or ground fault circuit interrupter, outlet, then you can reset the outlet directly. Again, unplug everything from the outlet first. Then, press the button that reads "RESET." You should hear a click when you press the button.

If the outlet or circuit breaker trips again when you plug in your device or appliance, then unplug them and call a nearby electrician. You might have a faulty outlet, electrical circuit, or circuit breaker panel.

Loose Connection

Electricity flow depends on electrical wiring. If the electrical wiring is damaged or connections are loose, then you can expect electrical issues. We recommend you leave electrical wiring repairs to the certified electricians, but fixing loose connections is relatively simple to fix.

Safety first! Turn off power to the electrical outlet by flipping the respective circuit breaker "OFF" to prevent electrical injuries and damages. Next, use a screwdriver to unscrew the outlet faceplate and gently pull the outlet from the box within the wall.

Inspect the terminal screws and gently tug at wires to tell if they are loose. If you notice anything burned, melted, or smoking, then call an electrician for an electrical outlet replacement as soon as possible. Otherwise, tighten any loose connections you find and replace the outlet into the junction box before switching the circuit breaker back on.

Call Mr. Electric of Atlanta for Emergency Electrical Repair

Electricity is nothing to take lightly. If you do not feel comfortable handling electrical repairs on your own, then call Mr. Electric of Atlanta to hire a certified electrician. Our friendly representatives are on standby for your call. We can have an electrician at your doorstep in as soon as within the hour.

Schedule Your Electrical Service Now!

Call or submit your request here and we'll call to confirm your appointment time. We're available until 11pm weekdays, 10pm weekends. Your Mr. Electric technician will provide an electrical repair or installation cost up front, and options if applicable.