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 Richmond, VA: 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 Richmond, VA
- Webb Electrical Company · 9206 Old Staples Mill Rd, Richmond, VA · 4.8★ (19 reviews) · (804) 370-6945
- Commercial One · 1206 Shockoe Ln, Richmond, VA · +18046834288
- Michael & Son Services Richmond · 1407 Cummings Dr, Richmond, VA · 8042387511
- Beckstoffer-Welsh Inc · 2020 Sledd St, Richmond, VA · 8043291000
- Electrical & Lighting Solutions · 2556 Gayton Centre Dr, Richmond, VA · 18042549400
- Genesis Electrical Services, Inc. · 1403 Pemberton Rd Ste 101, Richmond, VA · 18042526826
- Accent Electric Inc · 10118 Deepwood Cir, Henrico, VA · +18048743011
- Chewning & Wilmer Inc · 2508 Mechanicsville Tpke, Richmond, VA · 18042317373
Get free quotes from Richmond, VA 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.