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 Chicago, IL: 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 Chicago, IL
- Electrical Services Chicago · 1136 S Delano Ct W Ste B201, Chicago, IL · +13122755800
- REX Electric and Technologies · 10 S Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL · +13122513620
- Poole And Sons Electric · 125 S Wacker Dr Ste 300, Chicago, IL · 13124620052
- International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers · 600 W Washington Blvd, Chicago, IL · +13124541340
- A & K Electrical · 63 E Lake St Apt 2001, Chicago, IL · (773) 721-0081
- Mitsubishi Electric · 300 E Randolph St Ste 2901, Chicago, IL · 13125263649
- Skyline Electric · 301 W Grand Ave Ste #168, chicago, IL · 3128180400
- Ava Electronics Recycling Pick Up · 1016 W Lake St, Chicago, IL · +18473972900
Get free quotes from Chicago, IL 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.