Most dead outlets are a tripped GFCI somewhere on the circuit or a tripped breaker. Reset those first. If power does not return, or the outlet is warm, scorched, or smells burned, call (913) 390-3780 or book online for same-day diagnosis.
Try This Before You Call
About half of dead outlet calls we get can be resolved in 30 seconds with one of these steps:
GFCI outlets (the ones with TEST and RESET buttons in your bathroom, kitchen, garage, or outside) can cut power to other outlets on the same circuit when they trip. Find any GFCI outlet in your home and press the RESET button firmly. This often brings dead outlets back instantly.
GFCI keeps tripping or will not reset? That is a dedicated repair call. See our GFCI outlet repair and installation page, or call (913) 390-3780.
- Check the breaker panel, look for any breaker in the middle (tripped) position and reset it
- Find every GFCI outlet in your home and press RESET (bathroom, kitchen, garage, exterior)
- Try a different device, make sure it's not the device that's the problem
- Check for scorch marks or burning smell, if present, don't use the outlet and call immediately
If none of that works, the problem is inside the outlet or wiring, and we track it down.
Common Causes We Find
When a simple GFCI reset doesn't fix it, here's what we typically find:
- Loose wire connection: The wires connecting to the back of the outlet terminals have worked loose over time. Common in homes over 15 years old.
- Burned or failed outlet: The outlet itself has worn out or been damaged by a power surge. Outlets have a finite lifespan.
- Upstream wiring fault: A break in the wiring between the breaker and the outlet, inside the wall or at a junction box.
- Aluminum wiring. Homes built in the late 1960s-70s may have aluminum wiring, which requires special outlets and connections. Standard outlets can fail or become fire hazards when used with aluminum wiring.
GFCI Trips and Failed Devices
If the dead outlet is really a GFCI that will not hold RESET, moisture in the box, or missing protection in a kitchen, bath, garage, or outdoors, go to our full GFCI outlet repair page. That covers failed GFCIs vs. wiring faults and when to call.
We Also Upgrade Outlets
While we're there, we can upgrade your outlets to USB-A/C combo outlets, tamper-resistant outlets for homes with young kids, or add GFCI protection to any outlet in your home.
Call or Text (913) 390-3780What Happens on the Visit
If your GFCI and breaker resets did not restore power, we trace the open hot, failed device, or upstream fault and fix it the same visit when we can.
- Confirm what you already tried (GFCI RESET, breaker reset, device swap).
- Meter the receptacle and upstream devices to find where power stops.
- Repair the fault: outlet, splice, GFCI, or wiring issue.
- Test the full string so neighboring outlets stay reliable.