Electrical Outlet Not Working

Electrical outlet stopped working? Learn safe troubleshooting steps, common causes, and electrician costs ($100–$300).

Typical repair cost: $100–$300 · DIY difficulty: Easy · About 5–15 minutes.

What usually causes it

• Tripped GFCI outlet
• Tripped circuit breaker
• Loose wiring
• Faulty outlet
• Overloaded circuit

What you need

• Voltage tester (optional)

How to fix it yourself

1. Look for a GFCI outlet nearby (kitchen, bathroom, garage) and press the 'Reset' button
2. Check the breaker panel — flip any tripped breakers fully off, then back on
3. Try plugging a known-working device into the outlet
4. If neither works, the outlet may need replacement — this requires an electrician

When to call a pro

If resetting GFCI and breakers doesn't fix it, or if you see scorch marks, hear buzzing, or smell burning.

Get a fixed price from a local pro