Common problems we fix
- Outlets or a whole room with no power, often from one loose or burned connection on the circuit.
- Lights that flicker or dim when an appliance turns on.
- A breaker that trips again and again, or won't reset. See breaker replacement.
- A GFCI outlet that won't reset, or one that cuts power to other outlets you didn't know were connected to it.
- Switches that feel warm, outlets that are discolored, or a buzzing sound in a wall or the breaker box.
- A light, fan, or appliance that stopped working and you can't tell whether the problem is the fixture or the wiring.
How a repair visit goes
Before the visit, we ask what happened and when. On site, the electrician tests the circuit from the panel out to each outlet, switch, and fixture on it until the problem shows up. Sometimes that takes a few minutes and sometimes it means a trip into the crawlspace. If the cause turns out to be an appliance rather than the wiring, we'll tell you that too, so you know who to call next. When the fix is bigger than a repair, like a new circuit or a panel change, we tell you that first and price it separately.
… Jesse came over first to help diagnose our issue. He was very personable, had great ideas, and then Benjamin came a few days later and solved our problem easily, and explained things along the way, which was great. …
What can I check before I call?
Look for a tripped breaker in the panel, which sits partway between on and off. Then press the reset button on any GFCI outlets in the kitchen, bathrooms, garage, and outside, since one GFCI often protects several outlets in other rooms. If neither brings the power back, leave the wiring alone and call. Opening outlets or the panel to look is how small problems turn into dangerous ones.
… Brian kept me well informed while he was working and walked me through all the work he had done at the end. It's refreshing to know if I ever have an electric problem that 4 point has my back! …
Other small jobs on the same visit
A repair visit is a good time to have the electrician look at the other small things on your list.
A young guy came, full of energy. He replaced the light switch in nothing flat. We asked if we were paying for an hour no matter what and he said yes, what else have you got? He fixed or checked 2 other things and he explained everything as he went. We got repairs and an education all for the price of one hour.