Wall outlets are small but play a major role in helping you use many of your favorite household items, from your television to your coffee machine. It can be frustrating and concerning when they don’t work.
Unfortunately, they don’t last forever and may eventually become safety hazards. Recognizing the signs that something is wrong with your wall outlets can allow you to take prompt action so you can protect your home and keep it safe.
Do Wall Outlets Go Bad?
Yes, wall outlets can go bad. They typically last at least 15 years, but their lifespan may be shorter or longer. This is why it’s important to recognize the signs there’s an issue.
What Causes Wall Outlets to Go Bad?
A wall outlet can stop functioning properly for many reasons. For example, the wires may have become loose. It’s also possible they’ve corroded, got chewed on by mice, or experienced another type of damage.
What Are the Signs a Wall Outlet Went Bad?
There are several signs that can indicate that a wall outlet has gone bad. Typically, they’re obvious, which makes it easier to know when there’s a problem. One of the biggest signs is that the outlet feels hot when you touch it. You may also notice sparks. A few other frightening indicators could be seeing flames or smoke or noticing that the outlet is melted or cracked. There are also non-visible signs to pay attention to, including strange noises coming from the outlet or smelling a burning odor.
Can I Continue to Use a Wall Outlet That I Think Went Bad?
We don’t recommend continuing to use a wall outlet if you think it went bad, even if you don’t have substantial proof. This could put you at risk for serious problems, including electrical shocks and fire.
What Do I Do if a Wall Outlet Went Bad?
Discontinue using that wall outlet if you think it has gone bad. It’s also important to call us immediately and schedule an appointment. We’ll provide further instructions when we learn more about the situation.
Can I Replace a Wall Outlet Myself?
It’s one thing to DIY a wall plate replacement, but replacing the outlet itself is more complex. Some homeowners may try to do it themselves to save money. However, it’s much safer to have one of our professional electricians handle the task.
We can also evaluate the corresponding wires to determine which ones, if any, need replacing. Our team already has all the right tools on hand and knows exactly which outlet should replace the existing one.
You can feel confident in the work of our expert electricians and know that it was done correctly and safely rather than have any doubts after a DIY attempt at a wall outlet replacement.
How Do I Prevent Wall Outlets From Going Bad?
There are many things you can do to prevent a wall outlet from going bad. For starters, make sure you’re using outlets properly by not forcing any plugs into them, and never forcibly yank cords out; gently remove them by the plug instead. It’s also important to keep moisture away from wall outlets and avoid overloading them.
If a wall plate gets damaged, such as if it gets cracked, replace it right away to prevent dirt, debris, and moisture from getting inside. Additionally, if you suspect you have a pest problem, contact a pest control expert immediately before the animals can damage your electrical wiring.
You also want to avoid DIYing electrical projects, which are better left to the professionals. We recommend having an electrical inspection every few years, but you can certainly schedule them more often if you choose. Our team can evaluate every outlet in your home and all other aspects of your electrical system to ensure safety and functionality. We can also recommend which electrical upgrades are ideal for your home and which repairs are necessary.
Don’t let a bad wall outlet risk your home and safety. Electrical issues are never something you should ignore. Taking action now could prevent serious damage or danger. Contact us immediately for a professional inspection of your outlets so we can replace any that are no longer safe to use.
