4 Ways to Fix Bathroom Outlets That Are Not Working

You’re pressed for time, trying to charge your electric toothbrush when you discover that your bathroom outlet is not working. While this might seem like a scenario that warrants a call to an electrician, you may be able to fix the problem yourself with a few simple steps that require zero tools or supplies. Our guide will walk you through what to try on your own first—and when it’s time to contact a pro. 

1. Start by Pressing the Reset Button

Building codes require that wet areas such as bathrooms have ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets. They look like regular outlets except that they also have “TEST” and “RESET” buttons on them. A GFCI works by automatically shutting off power to the outlet when it detects a power surge, thus helping protect you from getting electrocuted.

If one of your bathroom outlets suddenly stops working, it could simply be that it’s tripped. Press the reset button, then plug in an appliance to see if it has power. 

If the outlet keeps tripping repeatedly, it’s worth hiring an electrician to give it a thorough inspection. 

2. Check for a Tripped Breaker

If pressing the outlet’s reset button was unsuccessful, the next step is to check your electrical panel to see if you need to reset the breaker. If the breaker has tripped, it will either be in the “off” position or in the middle between “off” and “on.” If it’s in the middle, flip it to “off” first before moving it to “on.”

Note that the switch may give you some resistance if the circuit needs to be reset, which tells you you’ve found the source of the problem. After flipping the switch to “on,” head back to the bathroom and plug in an appliance to see if power has been successfully restored. If the outlets still aren’t working, move on to the next step. 

3. Rule Out Any Wiring Issues

In some cases, your outlets may not be working because of a wiring issue behind the walls. If this is the case, check to see if the lights inside your bathroom are also out. If they are, it’s time to call an electrician near you who can diagnose and fix the issue. Faulty wiring can be a major safety hazard, so it’s best to leave things to a pro at this stage.

4. Replace the Outlet Itself

Your outlets could be malfunctioning because they’re literally burned out. This usually occurs when electrical currents create small fires within your wiring. Check for blackening, which can be a telltale sign. Since burned out outlets are serious fire hazards, you should have your outlets looked at by an electrician as soon as possible.

If your outlet doesn’t show any signs of being burned out but is still not working, it may just need to be replaced. The cost to install an outlet is around $133 to $296 on average, assuming no other major issues are at play. An outdated outlet can be replaced by experienced DIYers, but it’s best not to attempt the job yourself if you have any doubts about your abilities. 

How to Prevent Outlet Issues in the Future

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There are a few things you can do to ensure your bathroom outlets are safe and protected from long-term damage. 

Make Sure Your Outlets Are Up to Code 

According to the National Electrical Code (NEC), which most code requirements are based on, bathrooms in today’s homes should have GFCI outlets served by a 20-amp receptacle circuit. If you’re not sure if your bathroom outlets are up to code, have them inspected by a licensed electrician. 

Unplug Devices When Not in Use

It may not seem harmful to turn off your hair dryer or electric shaver but leave it plugged in. However, leaving devices plugged in can leach power and create potential for a current. This could cause the plug to spark and, worst-case scenario, start a fire. Your best bet to ensure your outlets and the wiring behind them stay in good condition is to unplug all appliances when you’re done using them. 

Cost to Repair an Electrical Outlet

On average, the cost to repair an electrical outlet is $130, but costs may range from as little as $50 to more extensive work costing $350. Cost factors include the placement of the outlet in your home, the labor needed to repair the outlet, and the prep work required to solve the root of the problem. Additional costs can include repairing any wall damage, adding grounding, or replacing outdated wiring and circuit breakers. 

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

A DIY isn’t recommended for this project, as it requires extensive electrical knowledge to complete successfully and safely. A licensed electrician near you can easily do the job, and unless you’re shockingly good at wiring, it’s best to save this one for a trained professional.