What To Do When your Outlet Doesn’t Work

Picture this: you plugged your phone in to charge overnight, and you even double-checked that it was plugged into the wall… but when you wake up the next morning, your battery is down to 1%. If this has happened to you, it may mean that your outlet isn’t working correctly and needs to be looked at by a professional.

If your outlet stops doing its job, Yoder Electric has your back. In today’s blog, we’ll walk you through the different things you can do to keep your outlets safe and functional.

Be Safe

We are sticklers for safety because one little mistake can be enough to cause a fire. So, before you decide to inspect your outlets, please make sure you do the following:

• Be careful not to overload the outlet. Even if your outlet is up-to-date and well-maintained, plugging too many things in without using power strips or surge protectors can cause serious problems.
• Avoid forcing the plug in if it doesn’t fit. If the plug doesn’t fit, it doesn’t fit. Trying to force it will not only bend the plug, but it could also push the outlet’s inner components out of alignment.
• Keep all your outlets covered. If you have toddlers or pets in the house, make sure any dangling wires are secured and out of reach, and plug a plastic covering into the outlets you’re not currently using.

Unplug It and Plug It In Again

Sometimes, there’s nothing wrong with the outlet except for how the device is plugged in. So before you do anything else, try simply unplugging your device and plugging it back in more securely. If that doesn’t work, there are a couple other things you can try.

Flip the Switch

Before you call an electrician, you might want to try a few simple, easy-to-miss things. First, if you notice that your outlet isn’t working, check to see if it’s connected to a light switch. If so, flipping the light switch might be all it takes to make your outlet work again.

Alternatively, if you suspect that the circuit breaker is the issue, head over to your circuit breaker panel and ensure that the switch connected to the outlet is in the “On” position. Not all outlets have switches like this, but it’s worth checking nonetheless. 

Look Around Carefully

If your outlet still won’t function, very carefully inspect the surroundings. Look out for any obvious signs of trouble, such as charred outlets or suspiciously frayed wires. Remember, safety comes first! If you notice even the slightest of dangerous signs, leave any further investigation up to Yoder Electric. 

If everything seems in order, you can try swapping the outlet with another one nearby. This step helps determine if the issue lies with the outlet itself or something deeper within the electrical system. 

Fix and maintain your outlets with Yoder Electric!

If the easy fixes above don’t work for you, it is time to call a professional. Outlets can be tricky, and we don’t want you to hurt yourself. 

These easy troubleshooting tips are meant for minor issues, and if you suspect a larger electrical problem, it’s always wise to call a premium professional. Contact us today to learn more!