Signs You Need Outlet Repair or Replacement

Why Functioning Outlets Are Essential for Daily Safety and Convenience

A smoothly functioning electrical system is important for the safety and comfort of your home, so electrical upkeep should be a part of your routine home maintenance. It’s vital that the outlets in your home are not overlooked, because when an outlet malfunctions, it compromises the safety of your home. Left unrepaired, a faulty outlet can lead to shocks, short circuits, and electrical fires, so knowing when to repair or replace them can prevent dangerous situations. Knowing the early signs that indicate a need for outlet repair can also save you money in the long run. Intervening early on can keep a minor problem from escalating into a major catastrophe.

Faulty Outlet Signs That Warn of Danger

If an outlet stops working, that’s a clear sign that it needs attention. But what are some of the other warning signs of faulty outlets?

• Tripping circuit breakers and flickering lights can indicate a problem with an outlet. If you plug in an appliance and your lights flicker or the circuit breaker trips, this is a sign that the outlet could be failing. Outlets that are worn out or ill-equipped to handle the electrical load demanded of them can cause these problems. Of course, circuit breaker tripping can also mean that your wiring is faulty. A professional electrician can help you get to the bottom of this issue.
• Burning is never a good sign. Whether it’s scorch marks on the wall or the smell of burning near your outlet, burning means you need to call in a professional. The outlet may be overheating because of a short circuit or poor wiring, so turn the power off to that outlet and call an electrician.
• Along the same lines, outlets should never feel hot to the touch. When an outlet feels hot or even warm, this usually means that electricity isn’t flowing properly through the circuit, either because of loose connections, damaged wiring, or an outlet that isn’t up to the task. If you don’t call an electrician to address the issue, the heat can damage plastic components and create a fire hazard.
• Outlets that are loose or wobbly are dangerous. This is a sign that the internal grip is worn, and loose outlets can get in the way of proper power flow, resulting in short circuits, sparks, or damage to devices plugged into them. An electrician can secure the outlet box or replace damaged components, and this will restore the stability of your outlet.

The Problem of Backstabbing

Sometimes, outlets fail because they’ve been “backstabbed”. This term refers to a shortcut some builders take to save time when installing an outlet. Rather than wires secured to the receptacle with terminal screws, a backstabbed outlet has stripped wire pushed into a small hole in the back of the receptacle. This is an inexpensive way to wire an outlet, but it uses a pressure connection, which can weaken over time. When this happens, it increases the heat in the outlet, which can melt the outlet, scorch your insulation, or even cause a fire. If you have backstabbed outlets in your home, the safest move is to have them replaced.

GFCI Outlet Issues in Kitchens and Bathrooms: When Do You Need GFCI Outlet Replacement?

In a bathroom or kitchen, GFCI outlets are beneficial, because they are designed to protect people from electrical shock when water is present. There are also AFCI outlets, typically used in other areas of the house which prevent electrical fires by protecting against arcing from unintentional electrical discharge. They both interrupt the current when a problem is sensed, but sometimes they can malfunction. If you push the reset button but it pops right back out, this could mean that there is still an issue, but it can also mean an issue like a loose or corroded screw or a faulty internal latch. In some cases, it’s an easy fix, but in other cases, you’ll need a replacement. A professional electrician can assess the issue and determine the best solution.

Benefits of Upgrading Old Outlets

If your outlets are old or require frequent repair, it may be time for an upgrade. When you replace old outlets with more modern units, you improve the safety of your home, but that’s not the only benefit. Modern outlets can often improve energy efficiency, and in some cases, as with an outlet that provides both GFCI and AFCI protection, new outlets can provide better functionality. Additionally, to comply with current codes, new receptacles are required to be tamper resistant. These outlets have shutters on the face that prevent foreign objects from being inserted into the receptacle. The other purpose of tamper-resistant is to ensure that equipment is plugged in evenly, to prevent shock. If you’re remodeling or painting a room, that’s the perfect time to upgrade your outlets without causing much disruption.

FAQs

Why Does My Outlet Stop Working Suddenly?

• Sometimes an outlet stops working because of a tripped breaker or a GFCI reset, but if your outlet loses power completely, it could be a sign of internal wiring issues. Electricians have the necessary tools to determine the cause and decide whether an outlet needs repair or replacement.

Burning Smell from the Outlet: Are Old Outlets a Fire Risk?

• Old outlets can definitely be a fire risk, because in many cases they are not designed to carry the electrical load of modern devices. If you smell burning, see scorch marks, or notice that your outlet is hot to the touch, call an electrician immediately.

How Much Does Electrical Outlet Replacement Typically Cost?

• The cost to replace an electrical outlet varies widely, based on factors like outlet type, accessibility, and labor rates. For an accurate estimate, contact a licensed professional electrician.

Outlet Not Working? Fix or Replace it with Outlet Repair Services from Coffin Electric

When you need professional electrical services in the Des Moines area, trust the experienced, reliable team of licensed electricians at Coffin Electric. Since 1920, our local, family-owned business has been providing comprehensive electrical services to our community, and we work hard to exceed our customers’ expectations.  Motivated and dedicated, we have the knowledge and technical skills necessary to provide quality service on every job, from upgrading electrical panels to installing generators and lighting fixtures to keeping the wiring in your home safe and up to date. We’ll always give you our full attention, behave with integrity, and stand behind our work. For all your home’s electrical needs, contact us and we’ll get the job done right.