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 Miami, FL: 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 Miami, FL
- ADT LLC · 1501 Yamato Road Dept 200, BOCA RATON, FL · 2532088155
- FOSTER & SON ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS INC · 2498 NW 3RD ST, MIAMI, FL
- INTEGRAL ELECTRIC & FIRE SERVICES LLC · 1501 BISCAYNE BLVD STE 501 E12, MIAMI, FL
- CASAPLEX · 333 NE 24TH ST APT 712, MIAMI, FL
- EMP ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS LLC · 3651 NW 16TH ST, MIAMI, FL
- A&H ELECTRIC LLC · 1745 SW 14TH AVE, MIAMI, FL
- SMARTLIFE ELECTRIC, INC · 178 NW 47TH TER, MIAMI, FL
- CARSAN ELECTRIC CORP · 201 S BISCAYNE BLVD STE 800, MIAMI, FL
Get free quotes from Miami, FL 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.