Outlet not working?

A dead outlet is most often a tripped GFCI somewhere else or a tripped breaker, and both are free to fix. If neither is the cause, the outlet may be controlled by a switch, or have a loose connection or a worn-out receptacle, and an outlet that is warm, discolored or smells burnt needs its breaker off right away.

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

Is it a GFCI outlet that trips again after you reset it?

A GFCI that keeps tripping has its own causes. GFCI outlet keeps tripping

Likely causes

  1. Tripped GFCI elsewhere

    Most commonEasy DIY

    A bathroom, kitchen, garage or outdoor GFCI outlet often protects other outlets downstream, so the dead outlet may not be the one that tripped. Check every GFCI nearby and press Reset on each one.

  2. Tripped breaker

    Most commonEasy DIY

    Other outlets or lights on the same circuit are dead too. Open the panel door (leave the cover on) and look for a handle in the middle position. Push it fully off, then on.

  3. Controlled by a wall switch

    CommonEasy DIY

    Only one of the two plugs is dead, or a lamp plugged in only works when a wall switch is on. Flip the switches in the room and see.

  4. Loose wire or failed push-in connection

    CommonCall a pro

    The outlet works on and off, or dies when something is plugged in or the plug is moved. This is inside the box, so switch off the breaker and call an electrician.

    Part: $50–150 (bad connection repair)

  5. Worn outlet

    Less commonCall a pro

    Plugs fall out or fit loosely, and the outlet works only when the plug is held a certain way. A worn outlet needs replacing.

    Part: $50–125 (loose outlet repair)

  6. Burned outlet

    Less commonCall a pro

    Scorch marks, melted plastic, a burnt smell, buzzing, or an outlet that feels warm. Switch off its breaker and stop using it.

    Part: $150–400 (burned or sparking outlet repair)

Quick checks

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. A GFCI that won't reset is not something to bypass. Never replace a GFCI with a regular outlet where one is required, such as in kitchens, bathrooms, garages and outdoors. If you see smoke or fire, get everyone out and call 911.

  1. Plug a lamp or phone charger you know works into the outlet to test it.
  2. Find every GFCI outlet in the bathrooms, kitchen, garage and outside, then press Test, then Reset on each one.
  3. Open the panel door (leave the cover on) and look for a breaker handle in the middle position. Push it fully off, then on.
  4. Flip the wall switches in the room, in case the outlet is switched.
  5. Look at the outlet face for scorch marks, melting or discoloring, and feel for warmth.
  6. Photograph the outlet face, including any Test and Reset buttons, and any other GFCI outlets nearby.
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Diagnose your 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 any 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 the breaker and GFCI checks don't bring the outlet back, if it works on and off, if plugs fall out, or for any outlet that is warm, discolored, buzzing or smells burnt (switch off its breaker first). If a breaker keeps tripping, see breaker keeps tripping, and if a whole 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 a tripped GFCI or breaker. Fixr puts an outlet repair at about $140 on average ($75–200): a loose outlet runs $50–125, a bad connection $50–150, and a short circuit $75–200. A burned, sparking or smoking outlet runs $150–400. HomeAdvisor lists electricians at $50–100 an hour, with a minimum visit charge of $100–200.

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

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

Related problems

  • GFCI outlet keeps tripping?

    Outlet

    A GFCI that trips again and again, usually moisture or a faulty appliance, sometimes a worn-out GFCI or a wiring fault.

  • Furnace won't heat?

    FurnaceFall

    The furnace runs but the house stays cold, which is usually a clogged filter, a thermostat setting, or an ignition fault.

  • Heat pump not heating?

    Heat pumpFall

    The heat pump runs but the house stays cold, which is usually thermostat settings, a clogged filter, or an iced-over outdoor unit.

  • Washer won't drain?

    Washer

    Water is left in the drum after the cycle, which is usually a clogged pump filter or a kinked drain hose.

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