GFCI outlet keeps tripping?

A GFCI trips on purpose when it senses current leaking where it shouldn't, so repeated trips usually mean moisture or a faulty appliance or cord. A worn-out GFCI or a wiring fault is less common, and those are for an electrician.

Not sure which one it is? Snap your outlet and we’ll narrow it down.

Is the outlet simply dead, with no GFCI tripping?

A dead outlet has its own causes. Outlet not working

Likely causes

Moisture
Most commonEasy DIY
It trips after rain, or in a bathroom or outdoor outlet after a shower or damp weather. Dry the outlet and cover, make sure the outdoor cover closes, and try again once it is dry.
Faulty appliance or cord
Most commonEasy DIY
It trips as soon as one particular thing is plugged in. Unplug everything, press Reset, then add items back one at a time. The one that trips it is the culprit.
Several appliances leaking a little current
CommonEasy DIY
It trips only when several things run at once on the outlets it protects. Each can leak a tiny amount of current, and together they add up. Spread them across other outlets and circuits, and if a breaker trips instead, see breaker keeps tripping.
Worn-out GFCI
Less commonCall a pro
It trips with nothing plugged in, won't reset, or is many years old. GFCI outlets wear out and need replacing.
Part: $130–300 (GFCI replacement, about $210 average)
Wiring fault
Less commonCall a pro
It trips with everything unplugged and dry conditions, or other outlets on the circuit trip too. This is inside the walls or boxes, so call an electrician.

Quick checks

A GFCI that keeps tripping is doing its job, so don't bypass it. A GFCI that won't reset is not something to work around, and never replace a GFCI with a regular outlet where one is required, such as in kitchens, bathrooms, garages and outdoors. Stop using an outlet that is warm, discolored, buzzing or smells burnt, and switch off its breaker. Before removing a cover plate, switch off the breaker and confirm the power is off with a tester.

Unplug everything on the outlet and on any outlets it protects, then press Test, then Reset.
Add appliances back one at a time. The one that trips it again is faulty.
For an outdoor or bathroom outlet, check for rain, damp or a cover that doesn't close, and let it dry out.
Press Test, then Reset, on every other GFCI nearby too, since one can protect several outlets.
Look at the outlet face for scorch marks, melting or discoloring, and feel for warmth.
Photograph the outlet face, including the Test and Reset buttons, and any other GFCI outlets nearby.

Sharpen the read

Diagnose your GFCI outlet in seconds, for free

No account, no phone number. Fixology’s AI reads your photo and tells you what’s likely wrong, how worried to be, and whether it’s a DIY fix.

Snap one of these:

the outlet face, including the Test and Reset buttons
any scorch marks or melting
the other GFCI outlets in the room or nearby

Add a note or more photos next. Nobody calls you.

When to call a pro

Call an electrician if it trips with nothing plugged in, won't reset, trips again and again after you've tried the checks, or is warm, discolored, buzzing or smells burnt (switch off its breaker first). If a breaker keeps tripping, see breaker keeps tripping, and if a part of the house is out, see part of the house has no power. For the outlet itself, see the outlet guide.

Typical cost: Free if it is moisture, a faulty appliance or too many appliances on it. Replacing a GFCI outlet averages about $210 ($130–300 per outlet) per HomeAdvisor, which also lists electricians at $50–100 an hour with a minimum visit charge of $100–200. Fixr puts a short circuit repair at $75–200.

Sources: HomeAdvisor: How much does a GFCI outlet cost? (updated June 19, 2026), Fixr: Cost to repair an electrical outlet (updated January 31, 2025)

After a scan, Fixology can also help you find pros near you.