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 San Francisco, CA: 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 San Francisco, CA
- McMillan Electric · 1480 Folsom St, San Francisco, CA · (415) 826-5100
- Mv Electric · 467 Valencia St, San Francisco, CA · +14158630886
- Freddy's Auto Electric · 159 14th St, San Francisco, CA · +14158632510
- REF Corp Electric · 65 Norfolk St, San Francisco, CA · +14153620444
- Young Electric + Communications · 195 Erie St, San Francisco, CA · 14156483355
- Werner Electric · 28 Gough St, San Francisco, CA · 4155958394
- Gpz Electric · 151 10th St, San Francisco, CA · +14158616051
- Canning Electric · 1228 Folsom St Ste 103, San Francisco, CA · +14157539335
Get free quotes from San Francisco, CA 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.