How do you fix a faulty outlet? One of the outlets in our house is easily jostled which will make everything plugged into the power strip go off. This could be as simple as walking by it or if the cord is moved the slightest bit. Last night I tried the lower outlet and I heard crackling and could see a spark inside. The top one works better, but you have to make sure all the cords are held up so that it stays in the right spot in the outlet.
I am worried this could be a fire hazard. If I just change the outlet out for a new one, would this fix the problem? Maybe the wires have come lose?
By Stella from Manchester, WA
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There's a site called "Instructables" that is excellent for any household repairs or do it yourself projects. I use it all the time and a friend of mine used it to learn how to install laminate flooring. It's very detailed and has great pictures.
That said, changing the outlet is easy. Turn off your power! Then all you do is unscrew the cover, unscrew the outlet from the wall box, unscrew the two connectors and replace the outlet with the new one by reversing all of this. If you ask the guys at the hardware store they can walk you through it. It's easy. You can do this or pay some guy $10 per outlet to do it for you.
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