GFCI Outlet Not Working or Won't Reset? How to Fix It (Cost)

Dead outlets in a kitchen, bathroom, garage or outdoors are usually a tripped GFCI, often on a different outlet upstream. Press Reset on every GFCI you can find. If it won't reset, there's either no power reaching it or the GFCI has failed. Replacing a GFCI outlet typically costs $90–$200.

Fix this weekDIY: Moderate15 minutes to reset; 30–60 minutes to replacePro: $90–$200

Last reviewed September 2026

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Check 1 of 12Testing: GFCI outlet

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Press Reset on every GFCI

Check bathrooms, the kitchen, garage, basement and outdoor outlets. The GFCI controlling your dead outlet may be in another room.

Signs it's this problem

Outlets in a bathroom, kitchen, garage or outside are dead
The Reset button won't stay in
The GFCI trips repeatedly, often when it rains
A GFCI's indicator light is red, or off

Why it happens

A GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) cuts power in a fraction of a second when current leaks to ground, such as through water. One GFCI often protects several outlets further down the line, so a trip can kill outlets in another room. Moisture, a faulty appliance or old age can make it trip or fail.

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How to fix it, step by step

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1.Unplug everything from the dead outlets.
2.Press Reset on every GFCI you can find: bathrooms, kitchen, garage, basement, outdoor outlets. The one controlling your dead outlet may be in another room.
3.Check the panel for a tripped breaker, including GFCI breakers with a test button.
4.If Reset won't stay in, the GFCI may have no power (check the breaker) or has failed.
5.To replace it: turn off the breaker, confirm power is off with a voltage tester, and note which wires go to LINE and LOAD before disconnecting.
6.Install the new GFCI with the incoming power on LINE, restore power, press Test then Reset to confirm it works.
7.If it trips again with nothing plugged in, suspect moisture in an outdoor box or damaged wiring, and call an electrician.

Safety: Always turn off the breaker and test for power before removing an outlet. If you can't tell LINE from LOAD wires, stop and hire an electrician; a wrongly wired GFCI won't protect anyone.

GFCI Outlet Not Working or Won't Reset? How to Fix It (Cost) cost

US national ranges for professional work, including labor and materials
Job	Typical cost
Replace a GFCI outlet	$90–$200
Install a GFCI outlet (average about $210)	$130–$300
New GFCI circuit from the panel	$300–$700

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Repair typeQuote amount (USD)

Typical professional price for this job: $90–$200

Common questions

Why won't my GFCI outlet reset?

Either it isn't getting power (a tripped breaker or an upstream GFCI), there's still a ground fault on the circuit, or the GFCI has worn out. Most GFCIs won't reset without power.

Why do outlets in another room stop working when a GFCI trips?

One GFCI can protect every outlet wired after it on the circuit, so a single trip can kill outlets in a bathroom, garage or outside at once.