Why did my electrical outlet stop working?

A dead outlet is most often a tripped GFCI upstream — the protecting outlet may be in another bathroom, the garage, or outside. Next suspect: a tripped breaker that doesn't look tripped. An outlet that works intermittently, feels warm, or shows scorch marks is a different story: stop using it until it's replaced.

Likely causes

• Tripped GFCI — One GFCI outlet protects several downstream outlets; it trips and takes them all dark.
• Tripped breaker — Breakers often sit halfway — not fully off — and get missed on a quick scan.
• Failed outlet — Outlets wear out, especially the push-in 'backstab' connections common in 1970s–90s homes.
• Loose or damaged wiring — Intermittent power, warmth, or buzzing at the outlet — the fire-risk category.

What you can check yourself

• Find and reset every GFCI in the house: bathrooms, kitchen, garage, exterior. Press 'reset' firmly.
• Check the panel for a breaker sitting mid-position; switch it fully off, then back on.
• Plug in a lamp you know works to confirm it's the outlet, not the device.

Typical cost

Typical in Boston, MA: GFCI or standard outlet replacement $150–$300 by an electrician; adding a new outlet where none exists $250–$500 depending on access.

When to call a pro

Sparks, scorch marks, a warm outlet, or one that works 'when you wiggle the plug' — unplug everything from it and call. Those are arc-fault warnings.

Electrician pros in Boston, MA

• Marketwise Inc. · 180 Elm Street, Waltham, MA · +1-781-893-9838
• Duffy Electrical Company · MA · +1 781 5921098
• Wheaton Electrical Service Inc. · MA
• LaFratta Electric Inc. · 206 Broad St, North Attleboro, MA · +15086994244
• Casale Electric · 94 N Washington St, North Attleboro, MA · 15086996245
• EJ Kennedy Master Electrician · 30 S Washington St Unit 483, North Attleboro, MA · 5088849473
• Northern Lights Electric · 50 Orne St, North Attleboro, MA · 15086999251
• CircuitmanElectric Inc · 34 Hixon Ct, North-Attleboro, MA · 5086992799

Get free quotes from Boston, MA pros →

Data by Servik — verified local pros from official license records and public sources. Cost figures are typical ranges, not quotes; a pro's written estimate is the real number.