Find a new outlet for those DIY skills
Whether you recently noticed you have a loose outlet or want to proactively protect your home from electrical dangers, learning how to fix a loose outlet is a good way to ensure your outlet is safe to use. While hiring an electrician is always the best bet for electrical projects, you may be able to do the job yourself with the right tools and experience. Here’s what you need to know on how to fix loose outlets around the house.
Follow these steps to ensure your repair project goes smoothly and safely.
Before you work with electrical wiring, be sure to turn off the circuit breaker. Failure to complete this step can result in electrocution. Flip the switch to the “OFF” position, and then use a non-contact voltage tester like a multimeter or voltmeter to check for electricity to confirm there’s no voltage.
With a Phillips-head or flathead screwdriver, unscrew the cover plate to access the outlet. Avoid a trip to the hardware store by placing the screws in a baggie or small container to avoid losing them.
If it’s the outlet box itself that’s loose, there are several methods for securing the loose outlet box. Try the following methods to get to the bottom of your loose outlet box once and for all.
The easiest solution for fixing loose outlets is to try tightening the screws on the outlet. All those electronics that have gone into the outlets can sometimes wiggle screws loose, causing the entire outlet to move. To fix this issue, simply use a screwdriver to tighten the screws.
If the outlet’s screws are already tight, you’ll need to get creative about holding your outlet in place. Cue the electrical spacers: These plastic inserts hook onto the screws of your outlet to keep the receptacle from moving. Install electrical outlet spacers by following these steps:
Use the screwdriver to remove the outlet screws.
Slide the spacer behind the outlet.
Place the screws into the top and bottom holes in the spacer.
Reinstall the screws with your screwdriver.
Alternatively, if your outlets look like sunken ships, you could have gaps between the electrical box and the outlet. In this case, you’ll want to use electrical spacers on recessed outlets. These small, plastic spacers are shaped like a “C” and contain interlocking clips for customizing the amount of additional depth your outlets need to stay in place.
Gauge how many spacers you’ll need by holding the spacers up to the box and assessing the right depth.
Fold the spacer over until it snaps together.
Insert the spacers onto the top and bottom of your outlet, ensuring the male side faces outward.
Push down on the screws to secure the spacers.
Insert the outlet back into the box to confirm the spacers have successfully secured the outlet.
Retighten the screws on your outlet.
If there is too much space between your outlet and the electric box, you might be unable to use spacers to hold the outlet in place. Here’s when you’ll want to use an electrical box extender. To install an electrical box extender, do the following:
Remove the screws on your outlet.
Place the outlet through the center of the extender.
Adjust the extender until it is flush with your wall.
Reinstall the screws on your outlet to secure it in place.
If your outlet receptacle shows signs of wear and tear—like wobbly, loose plugs—you'll want to replace the outlet receptacle rather than try to troubleshoot the loose outlet. Follow these steps to replace your outlet or hire an electrician to complete this electrical project:
Purchase a new outlet receptacle.
Ensure that your circuit breaker's power is off.
Test the outlet for signs of voltage by using a voltage tester.
Unscrew and remove the old outlet receptacle using a screwdriver.
Place the screws in a container for safekeeping.
Loosen the screws that secure the wires to the old outlet.
Unhook the wires, noting where each wire was connected to the outlet.
Install the new outlet receptacle by wrapping the correct wires to the new receptacle’s terminal screws.
Screw the new outlet to the electrical box by inserting the screws and tightening them with a screwdriver.
Now it’s time to retrace your steps and reinstall the cover plate to your new or improved outlet receptacle. Line the plate up, insert the screws, and secure them with a few solid twists of your screwdriver.
With your fixed outlet now strong and sturdy, flip the breaker switch back to “ON” and test the outlet’s power using a voltage tester. If there isn’t a current, retrace your steps and determine the outstanding issue. Otherwise, enjoy using a safe outlet for your electronics and appliances.
Though it might seem like a no-brainer, it’s important to hold the plugs of your electronics securely at the base when removing them from the outlet. This removal method prevents displacing or damaging the insert points into your outlets.
You also want to avoid overloading your circuit, as this extra surge of power can overheat and damage your outlets. Know how many outlets on a circuit work for your amperes before plugging more devices into a circuit—especially if you live in an older home that cannot handle the increased demand.
Loose outlets can pose several electrical safety hazards, including sparks, fire risks, or electrical shocks that could harm you or the structure of your home. For that reason, you should always fix an outlet that’s loose or wiggly as soon as you notice an issue.
Replacing an outlet costs around $3 to $5 for the materials. Specialty electrical outlet types like GFCI outlets or AFCI outlets can cost as much as $50 each, while outdoor outlets cost around $225 each. Keep in mind that hiring an electrician for this project will cost you an additional $9 to $35 per outlet.
Fixing a loose outlet on your own will save you roughly $9 to $35 per outlet in labor costs. However, depending on the extent of the repair and your confidence in working with electrical wiring, you may be better off working with an electrician near you to safely fix loose outlets.
Outlets do wear out, usually within 15-25 years, but they can fail even sooner than that —sometimes in a matter of years. If your plugs always slide out after you put them in, this is a sign your outlets need to be replaced. Additionally, if your outlets are damaged, cracked, discolored, or regularly tripping the circuit breaker, they may be at the end of their life.
The main reason outlets become loose is because the contact points have started to wear down after years of use. Occasionally, poor wiring can cause heat or sparks that can damage the outlet and cause it to become loose. Either way, if your plugs slide out after being inserted into the outlet, it’s time to replace it.
Most people don’t think twice when using loose outlets, but they are a safety hazard. Loose outlets can cause issues with the flow of electricity in your home, resulting in electricity jumping from one connection point to another. When this happens, it can cause a spark that could start an electrical fire in your walls.
