A finger pressing the reset button on a white GFCI outlet in a kitchen backsplash
Dead outlets often come back with one press of a GFCI reset button.
Electrical

Home electrical repairs, with clear lines on what's DIY

A dead outlet, flickering light or chirping smoke alarm can leave you wondering where to start. These guides explain the basic checks, the precautions to take and the signs that mean you need a licensed electrician.

  • 25 fixes
  • Step-by-step pictures
  • When to call a pro

Where to start: When several outlets die at once, a tripped breaker or GFCI outlet is almost always the reason. Lights that flicker could be a loose bulb or a loose wire, and this guide helps you tell which. Replacing a light switch is a good first wiring job. And that 3 a.m. chirp? Here's how to stop it.

GFCI outlet with TEST and RESET buttons next to a breaker panel with one tripped breaker
From the guide: Reset a tripped outlet or breaker →

Appliances that won't start, like a dishwasher or washer, are in Kitchen & laundry.

What are you dealing with?

Some outlets suddenly deadSmoke alarm chirpingLights flickeringLight switch not workingBreaker keeps trippingPlugs fall out of an outletCarbon monoxide alarm beepingCeiling fan wobblesDoorbell doesn't ringOutdoor motion light won't turn onReplacing a light fixtureCeiling fan won't turn onOutside outlet has no powerGFCI button won't stay inLight bulbs keep burning outCeiling fan works but the light doesn'tSmoke alarm goes off for no reasonRecessed light keeps turning off
Electrical

Fix a loose outlet in the wall

 Easy15–45 min$0–$15
Electrical

Ceiling fan light pull chain not working

 Moderate5–60 min$0–60
Electrical

GFCI keeps tripping

 Easy20 min–1 day (drying time)$0–$30
Electrical

Replace a hardwired smoke detector

 Moderate15–30 min per alarm$20–60 per alarm
Electrical

Christmas lights half out or not working

 Easy15–60 min$0–25
Electrical

LED lights glow when the switch is off

 Moderate10–60 min$0–40
Electrical

Ceiling fan remote not working

 Moderate10–60 min$0–60
Electrical

Reset a tripped outlet or breaker

 Easy5–15 min$0
Electrical

Stop a smoke alarm from chirping

 Easy10 min$3–30
Electrical

Why are my lights flickering?

 Easy10–20 min$0–30
Electrical

Replace a light switch safely

 Moderate20–30 min$3–15
Electrical

Circuit breaker keeps tripping

 Easy15–30 min$0
Electrical

Replace an electrical outlet

 Moderate30–45 min$3–25
Electrical

Carbon monoxide alarm beeping? What it means

 Easy5–15 min$0–50
Electrical

Fix a wobbly ceiling fan

 Easy20–40 min$0–10
Electrical

Doorbell not working

 Easy20–40 min$0–25
Electrical

Outdoor motion light not working

 Easy15–45 min$0–20
Electrical

Replace a light fixture

 Moderate45–90 min$0–20, plus the fixture
Electrical

Ceiling fan not working

 Moderate20–60 min$0–25
Electrical

Outdoor outlet not working

 Easy15–45 min$0–40
Electrical

GFCI won't reset

 Moderate15–60 min$0–30
Electrical

Light bulbs burning out quickly

 Easy15–45 min$0–40
Electrical

Ceiling fan light not working

 Moderate15–90 min$0–80
Electrical

Smoke alarm going off for no reason

 Easy15–60 min$0–60
Electrical

Recessed light turns off by itself

 Easy15–60 min$5–40

Common questions

What electrical work can a homeowner do?

Resetting breakers and GFCIs, changing bulbs, and swapping a like-for-like switch or outlet with the breaker off are common DIY jobs. New circuits, panel work and anything that smells hot or sparks are for a licensed electrician. Local rules vary, so check yours.

Why does my smoke alarm chirp even with a new battery?

It may need resetting, the battery may be in wrong, or the alarm may be past its 10-year life. The date is printed on the back.

Looking for something else? Browse all fixes or see emergency steps.