Electrical Outlet Repair Cost [2024 Cost Data]
Normal range: $60 - $250
Electrical outlet repairs cost $130 on average, depending on the amount of damage and number of outlets.
Electrical outlet repair costs an average of $130 per outlet. Simple repairs are possible for as little as $50, while replacements and more extensive repair work can cost $350 or more. Outlet failures due to problems with the home's electrical system can indicate the need for more extensive repairs that can increase costs.
- Average
- $130
- Low end
- $50
- high end
- $350
Electrical Outlet Repair Cost Breakdown
Electrical outlet repair costs depend on the type of repair necessary and the outlet needing the fix. Here are typical cost ranges for outlet repairs based on outlet type.
| Outlet Type | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Standard | $60–$250 |
| Smart | $50–$100 |
| GFCI | $100–$300 |
| AFCI | $120–$350 |
| Combination | $75–$270 |
| Outdoor | $150–$350 |
| USB | $70–$180 |
Problem
Breaking down the electrical outlet repair cost based on the problem it's encountering is often apparent by its appearance or action. However, some problems require detailed diagnosis to determine the root cause of the issue. Here are some common electrical outlet problems and the expected average repair cost ranges.
| Outlet Problem | Average Price Range |
|---|---|
| Won't Grip Plug | $60–$200 |
| Loose in Wall | $60–$150 |
| Broken | $60–$200 |
| Tripping Breaker | $100–$300 |
| Sparks | $100–$350 |
| Burn Marks or Smells | $120–$400 |
| Heat | $60–$400 |
Amperage
The amount of amps flowing through an electrical circuit determines the necessary capacity of the outlet. As expected, the more amps in the circuit, the more expense is involved when repairing or replacing faulty outlets.
| Outlet Amperage | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|
| 15 | $60–$250 |
| 20 | $80–$300 |
| 30+ | $80–$400 |
Labor
The average cost to hire an electrician ranges from $50 to $100 per hour plus materials. However, many electricians will charge by the job or require an additional trip charge for minor repair work that can add between $50 and $100 to the invoice. The average amount customers spend when hiring out for electrical work is just under $350.
Prep
Many electrical outlet problems are easily diagnosable by certified electricians. However, some repair work may require digging to discover the root of the problem that reveals itself through a faulty outlet. Diagnosing the problem in these scenarios typically results in additional costs equal to the electrician's hourly rate.
Location
Where you live can affect the cost of electrical outlet repair. Electricians in urban areas charge more per hour than those in rural locations. The outlet's location requiring repair can also affect its repair cost. Kitchens, bathrooms, damp places, bedrooms, and outdoors have specific outlet code requirements that can affect the price of repairs or replacements.
Electrical Upgrading Costs
Often, an outlet that requires repair, especially one with more damage than looseness or lack of plug grip, is a sign that something below the surface is causing the issue. When underlying problems exist, you could face additional electrical system upgrading costs to maintain safety and prevent future problems.
Replace Outdated Wiring
Replacing outdated wiring to a single outlet costs anywhere from a few hundred dollars to around $1,500, depending on the complexity of running new wires to the location. If wiring problems exist throughout the system or you find yourself needing to replace aluminum or knob and tube wiring, whole-house rewiring costs between $4,000 and $8,000 on average.
Circuit Breaker Repair or Replacement
Discovering that a circuit breaker requires replacing either as a result of or cause of an electrical outlet failure costs between $50 and $150 above the cost of outlet repair to remedy the situation.
Additional Expenses
Repairing or replacing an outlet is sometimes only part of the necessary work to get things back to working order.
Wall Repairs
If getting into the wall behind the damaged outlet is necessary to run new wires or replace the electrical box, the wall will need some attention after the electrician completes the repair. Typical wall repair costs range from $50 to $75 per square foot.
Electrical Permit
In fact, most electrical installation, repair, or replacement projects require a permit from your municipality. Costs for these permits and the subsequent inspections range from around $100 to $500, depending on the scope of the work.
Adding Ground
In most situations, when a two-wire outlet that's not grounded requires repair, it's best, and in many cases mandatory, to replace the outlet with a three-wire one with a ground—adding a ground wire and connection to an existing outlet location costs between $130 and $300.
DIY Electrical Outlet Repair vs. Hiring a Pro
While we don't recommend it, DIYers with extensive electrical experience can perform their own electrical outlet repairs and replacements in some situations. However, these situations are limited to repairs and replacements of only the affected outlets, and extreme care is necessary to follow electrical safety work procedures and stay alive.
Outlets that are faulty due to more significant electrical problems in the home require the skills and tools only a licensed and qualified electrician near you can supply. We highly recommend hiring a pro for electrical work for safety, peace of mind, and knowing the work is up to code and correct.
Cost of Common Electrical Add-Ons
When an outlet goes bad, hiring an electrician to diagnose and repair the problem immediately is best to minimize any safety risks. However, if your house also needs other electrical work, now is a good time to consider tackling those projects to save money on trip charges and minimum fees. Here are some common electrical add-ons to take care of as long as the electrician is coming over.
Additional Outlets
If you've always wanted an additional electrical outlet somewhere in the home to make life a little more convenient, the average cost of adding a new outlet in the location is around $300.
Electrical Panel Upgrades
The cost to upgrade your electrical service panel from 60 or 100 amps to 200 or more is between $800 and $4,000. While spendy, the upgrade can allow more flexibility when choosing appliances or updating your HVAC system and can ready the home for an eventual addition or major remodel.
Switch Repair or Replacements
Other smaller electrical repairs around the house, such as repairing or replacing loose or outdated light switches, are excellent add-on candidates when fixing outlets. Typical switch replacements cost roughly $150 on average.
Adding a Dedicated Circuit
If you plan to remodel or install new appliances or HVAC equipment anytime soon that require dedicated electricity, installing a dedicated circuit costs around $700.
220V+ Installation
A common upgrade when planning to make changes to the home, like remodeling or installing new HVAC or appliances, is putting in a 220V or larger outlet. The cost to add a 220V electrical circuit ranges from $300 to $800.
How to Save Money on Electrical Repairs
Some experienced DIYers can perform electrical repairs themselves to save on the cost of hiring an electrician. However, the best ways to save money on electrical repairs are to contact a licensed electrician when you notice a problem and bundle your home's electrical repair work with add-on services, if possible, to save trip charges and minimum fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
An electrician can typically perform an outlet replacement in around a half-hour or less, depending on why the outlet needs replacing. However, if significant damage to the outlet requires a deeper investigation and diagnosis, the process could take a couple of hours to ensure the electrical system is once again safe after outlet replacement.
There are several things to try to repair a broken outlet. Whether it's fixable or not may depend on the problem and the type of outlet itself. Start by testing the circuit with an electrical tester and ensuring the breaker switch to the circuit functions as it should. Loose wires are sometimes the culprit and are repairable by fixing the connections.