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 New York, NY: 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 New York, NY
- H&a Electrician · 40 Fulton St, New York, NY · 16463510882
- American Wire Pro · 30 Broad St Fl 14, New York, NY · +16465352909
- Mag Electrical Contracting Corporation · 30 Broad St, New York, NY · +16469175962
- Mcintyre Electrical, Llc. · 11 Broadway, New York, NY · 13473833557
- New York Electrician · 94 Chambers St, New York, NY · 6464156723
- S J Electric · 110 Church St, New York, NY · +12125874590
- Robbins Electric Company · 283 Hudson St, New York, NY · +12127410600
- Flemington Electrical Maintenance Inc. · 121 Varick St Ste 8, New York, NY · +16462309903
Get free quotes from New York, NY 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.