Keep an eye out for bad outlets
One bad outlet can affect others, so it’s important to test surrounding outlets for power.
Common causes of bad outlets are loose wiring, old circuit breakers, and series wires.
Outlets typically last 15 to 25 years.
The cost to replace a bad outlet ranges between $125 to $200.
If you notice an outlet isn’t working properly, your next thought may be to wonder whether one bad outlet can affect others in your home. Electrical outlets are one aspect of a home many of us take for granted, but when an outlet isn’t working and then it affects others, it can be frustrating to determine the cause and severity of the problem.
Find out the cause behind a bad outlet, how to fix the issue, and how you can keep your home safer with working electrical outlets.
Yes, one bad outlet can affect others in your home, but it doesn’t always impact other outlets. If one outlet stops working, your next step should be to test the power of other outlets. Here are common reasons why multiple outlets will go out simultaneously.
If multiple outlets in your home aren’t working, check to see if they are ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets. GFCI outlets are required by national building codes to be in kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, basements, and other rooms where water is near the outlet. These outlets work like a circuit breaker and will shut off power if an electrical shortage or surge is detected. This action can cause multiple outlets to shut off at the same time.
If your GFCI outlet isn’t working, try pressing the reset button. If the reset button doesn’t work, the outlet may be old and you’ll need to replace it.
Many older homes have several outlets connected on a single circuit breaker, meaning one bad outlet can trip the circuit breaker and cause other outlets to stop working. Try resetting the breaker to get the other outlets working. If that doesn’t work, your home may need new wiring, which will require the help of a professional electrician.
One or multiple outlets may stop working if your home’s wiring is loose. This problem typically occurs in older homes where the wiring has loosened over the years or in new homes where wiring was installed incorrectly. Loose wiring causes more repercussions than bad outlets, such as electrical shock or fire, so call an electrician for help if you notice loose wiring in your walls.
Daisy chained outlets, also known as series wires, are when outlets are connected in a series. If one outlet in a daisy chain breaks down, other outlets connected in that series will stop working, too. An electrician can help you identify which outlet has broken down and repair it to fix the problem in the other outlets.
If an outlet has no power, remember several potential reasons and solutions exist.
Ensure your circuit breaker has not been tripped, and if so, reset it if necessary.
Check if you are dealing with a GFCI outlet and press the reset button.
Confirm whether the plug is in the outlet or loose and address it.
Test the other outlets nearby to see if the issue is localized.
Plug in a different appliance or device to determine if the first device was the issue.
Consult a local licensed electrician if you need help determining the issue or are uncomfortable working with electricity.
According to data from Angi customers, 36.4% of electrical switch, outlet, and fixture jobs are emergencies, which require immediate service and repair. This includes active sparking, smoke coming out of the outlet, and a persistent burning smell. On the flip side, 63.6% of jobs are non-emergency work. If you need emergency electrical service, you’ll pay more in labor—sometimes double the standard hourly rate in your area.
It's good to know that in 2024, replacing an electrical outlet costs generally between $125 and $200, influenced by your home's location, labor fees for the area, which can range from $50 to $100 per hour, and outlet type.
For example, a standard 120V outlet replacement averages $175. However, a GFCI (ground-fault circuit interrupter) outlet can cost up to $500. Standard outdoor outlets are also pricier, with installation costs ranging from $150 to $260.
If you notice a bad outlet and other outlets no longer working, you can take a few simple steps to try and fix the issue on your own. These steps include simple fixes like resetting your circuit breaker or resetting a GFCI outlet.
If those methods don’t work, the next step is to call an electrician near you. These electrical pros have the knowledge and skills to fix the issue and keep your electrical wiring safe and secure. You should not attempt to DIY fix serious electrical problems like replacing or updating your home’s wiring.
Stephen did an outstanding job. I will use him for all my future electrical needs.
Stephen was very professional, he did an amazing job installing and outlet in the garage and also troubleshooting my electrical issues inside the house. He’s my go to guy for all electrical repairs from now on.
The needed work performed was completed quickly and professionally. The problems with my electrical system were diagnosed within a few minutes and repaired quickly. Very happy with the work performed and would highly recommend TCH Improvements.
They did a great job. I've used the service 5 times in a year. They were efficient, easy to work with, and they had a fashion in what they do.
Arrived late, when longer electric drain line; the options unfolded based on price.
Carlton and his wife stayed with me until the beeping of the smoke alarm was discovered. Charlatan found what was beeping and it surprised all of us. They stayed with it until the mystery was found. Two very commendable electrical workers. I will never forget them and our afternoon together
Extremely nice electrician. Performed services in a timely manner. As with most home services, you never know what to expect cost wise. I would recommend and use company again.
All Star Electrical ServicesIt went great! I left a message for Cordan Electric on Friday and they returned my call the same day, suggesting a Tuesday afternoon appointment. Denny showed up and discovered the problem very quickly, because he knew what questions to ask. It was a simple fix; just resetting a GFI outlet...
Cordan LLC - Cordan ElectricOur problem was that the air conditioning unit sat at the opposite end of the house from our guest suite and was not properly cooling the guest suite. In order to make the guest suite comfortable for guests, our master bedroom, which is located next to the unit, had to be over cooled. Aire...
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