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Help! The Plugs Keep Falling Out of My Outlets

Taryn Williford
Taryn Williford
Taryn is a writer, editor, content strategist, and homebody from Atlanta. I might have helped you declutter your apartment through the magic of a well-paced email newsletter. Or maybe you know me from The Pickle Factory Loft on Instagram.
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updated Oct 17, 2022
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Quick! You wake up late for work to find that your alarm clock is off. But the power… the power’s still on. What happened? Well, your trusty alarm clock (or phone) might just have been plugged into a less trusty outlet that refuses to grip onto anything plugged into it. Those loose plugs sometimes fall out completely with a possible fire hazard on your hands.

When you plug something in that doesn’t feel quite snug, it’s probably the plug. But when nothing seems to grip tightly into your outlet, you know that old, worn contacts are to blame.

Loose contacts aren’t able to securely grip your plug. That missed connection can cause electrical arcing, a major risk for house fires.

If you’re noticing plugs slide and fall right out of one of your home’s outlets (it happens more frequently with two-prong plugs of small tech), it’s definitely time to replace your old receptacle.

Good news is it’s easy to do yourself. Apartment Therapy LA linked to a great how-to guide that’ll help even the most novice handyman get the job done. All you have to pay for is the parts—about $2.

If you’re all thumbs when it comes to DIY home repairs, get a professional to install new outlets for $8 to $10 a piece (But be aware that most electricians will have a minimum charge for your bill).

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