Bathroom Outlet Not Working After a Storm? It May Have Tripped

It's frustrating when the power goes out during a storm, but it can be even more annoying when the electricity comes back on yet your bathroom outlet remains dead. If you find yourself in this situation, don't panic. There are a few likely culprits that can cause a bathroom outlet to stop working after storms.

With some basic troubleshooting, you can often resolve outlet issues yourself without calling an electrician.

GFCI Outlets and How They Work

Many bathrooms these days have GFCI outlets, which stand for ground fault circuit interrupters. These special outlets are designed to prevent electric shocks by constantly monitoring the flow of current. If they detect even a small imbalance of current between the hot and neutral wires, it only takes a fraction of a second for them to shut off power.

GFCI outlets are very helpful for preventing electrocution from appliances plugged in near water. But their sensitive nature also means they can trip somewhat easily from power fluctuations.

Why GFCI Outlets Are Used in Bathrooms

Bathrooms and areas with water like kitchens require outlets to be protected by GCFIs due to their wet environment. Even a small electrical malfunction could result in a deadly shock when water is present. The regular outlets found in less damp rooms don't provide the same level of protection.

By code, any outlets located within 6 feet of a water source in the bathroom must be GFCI-protected. This includes outlets near the sink, shower, or tub.

How GFCI Outlets Monitor Electric Flow

GFCI outlets work by constantly comparing the current along the hot wire to the current along the neutral wire. Under normal conditions, these two should be identical.

If there is a difference more than 4-6 milliamps, the GFCI trips nearly instantly. This would occur if a hot wire made contact with something metal like a sink, indicating a ground fault that could electrocute someone.

When GFCI Outlets Trip

A GFCI outlet can trip when:

• It detects an imbalance in hot and neutral wires, diverting power to ground
• The circuit experiences a surge in electricity
• There is too much load plugged into the outlet
• There is a loose wire connection
• The outlet is defective

Storms can easily cause surges that trip sensitive GFCI outlets even when no actual ground fault occurs. A nearby lightning strike may create just enough of a spike to cut power.

Resetting Tripped GFCI Outlets

When a GFCI outlet trips, power is interrupted not only to that outlet but also any outlets further "downstream." So if your bathroom outlet doesn't work, the first step is locating the GFCI outlet it's connected to.

This is often in the same bathroom, either behind a storage cabinet or on the wall near the sink. But it's possible the GFCI is elsewhere, like the garage, kitchen, basement, or electrical panel.

Identifying the Reset Button

A tripped GFCI outlet can be reset by locating the "Reset" button, usually colored red, and pressing it firmly. There may also be a "Test" button you can press which will demonstrate the protection works by temporarily cutting power.

Testing the Outlet After Resetting

After pressing the reset button, check if the formerly dead outlet now has power again by plugging in a lamp or phone charger. If resetting the GFCI restores function, you fixed the issue.

Replacing a Defective GFCI

If resetting the GFCI outlet doesn't revive the dead bathroom outlet, the GFCI may be defective. Try replacing it with a new GFCI outlet, which involves turning off power at the breaker box, removing the old outlet, connecting the wires to the new one, then restoring power.

Bathroom Outlets Connected to Light Switches

Some bathrooms have outlets that are wired through wall light switches, so that the outlets only receive power when the switch is flipped on. This allows you to plug in things like nightlights that you want to control with the switch.

If your bathroom outlet isn't working, check any wall switch plates in the bathroom carefully for a switch controlling the outlet. Flip it on and see if power is restored. Also, check any other switches outside the bathroom that could be connected.

Why Would Bathroom Outlets Connect to Switches?

Wiring bathroom outlets to switches provides flexibility in what you can plug in and control. For example, you could have vanity lights on one switch and a separate night light or curling iron outlet on another.

It also allows you to easily turn off outlets when not needed to save energy. Just remember to flip the switch on before assuming an outlet is dead.

Tripped Circuit Breakers

Another possibility, if your bathroom outlet went dead during a storm is a tripped circuit breaker. The electrical panel's circuit breakers monitor home circuits and will "trip" or switch off if there are unsafe conditions like a surge or overload.

Causes of Tripped Bathroom Circuit Breakers

Some common reasons bathroom circuit breakers trip and need resetting include:

• Power surges from storms
• Running high-wattage appliances like hair dryers or space heaters
• Moisture getting into the breaker panel
• Too many devices running on one circuit
• A failing breaker

Locating and Resetting the Breaker

Find your home's electrical panel, often in the basement, garage, or laundry room. Open the metal door and look for the switch marked for the bathroom circuit. Flip it all the way off then back on to reset it. Usually, a tripped breaker will be set to a middle position.

Testing the Outlet After Resetting

Plug in a small item like a night light to the bathroom outlet to see if resetting the breaker restored power. If not, the issue may be with the outlet or wiring itself rather than the breaker.

Faulty Outlets and Electrical Wiring Issues

If resetting the GFCI and circuit breakers doesn't revive your bathroom outlet after a storm, there could be a deeper issue with the outlet, wiring, or multiple connected devices failing at once.

Signs of a Faulty Outlet

Some signs your outlet itself has failed include:

• Burning smell from the outlet
• Scorch marks or discoloration
• Cracks or damage in the plastic housing
• Frequently getting hot when in use
• Loose plugs that fall out easily

Use a multimeter or outlet tester to check faulty outlets before replacing them. Turn off the power at the breaker box first for safety.

Checking for Damaged Wiring

Wiring issues like loose connections can cause intermittent power outages under load. Check along the outlet wiring for:

• Exposed copper from damaged insulation
• Corrosion on connectors
• Melting or burn marks
• Wires loosely attached to connectors

Use caution when examining bathroom wiring and turn off power. If you find damage, consider hiring an electrician to replace the affected wiring.

When to Call an Electrician

While the average homeowner can reset GFCIs and breakers, if you can't get your bathroom outlet working after storms, it's best to call a licensed electrician. They can:

• Safely check wiring and isolate the fault
• Replace defective GFCI outlets
• Fix loose or damaged wires
• Install new bathroom outlets if needed
• Ensure proper bathroom electrical safety codes are met

For the experienced eye of an electrician, outlet issues can often be resolved quickly and affordable. Don't take chances with water and electricity.

Preventing Future Power Outages

While storms and electrical faults can affect bathroom outlets randomly, you can take some steps to minimize future issues:

• Only plug necessary devices into bathroom outlets
• Use bath fans or open windows to minimize moisture
• Install surge protectors where appropriate
• Replace old outlets with GFCI outlets every 10 years or so
• Have an electrician inspect bathroom wiring during renovations or if problems arise

GFCI outlets are required by code in bathrooms for added protection. Test them monthly by pressing the "Test" button and reset immediately afterwards.

Losing power in parts of your home after storms is annoying but common. With bathroom outlets, the most likely culprits are tripped GFCIs or breakers. Start troubleshooting by resetting these devices. However, if resetting doesn't restore the outlet, be safe and contact an electrician to check your home's wiring.

Protecting people and property from electrical faults is nothing to take risks with. Following proper bathroom electrical safety guidelines can give you peace of mind, even when storms roll through.