Is your electrical outlet pushed back into the wall, creating an unsightly gap and making it difficult to plug in your devices? This common issue, known as a recessed outlet, is often a result of house settling, wall repairs, or simply loose mounting. Fortunately, fixing a recessed outlet is a straightforward DIY task that most homeowners can handle in under 30 minutes. This guide will show you exactly how to fix this problem, ensuring your outlets are safe, functional, and flush with your walls.
Understanding Recessed Outlets
A recessed outlet occurs when the electrical receptacle box sits too far back within the wall, causing the outlet itself to be sunken in. This not only looks bad but can also be inconvenient and potentially unsafe. Trying to force plugs into a recessed outlet can damage the outlet or the plug, and the gap around the outlet can be a potential entry point for dust and pests.
Common causes of recessed outlets include:
- House Settling: As houses age and settle, walls can shift slightly, causing outlets to become misaligned.
- Wall Repairs: Drywall work or other wall repairs might inadvertently push the electrical box further back.
- Loose Mounting: Over time, the screws holding the electrical box in place can loosen, leading to the box shifting backwards.
No matter the cause, learning how to fix a recessed outlet is a valuable skill for any homeowner.
Tools You’ll Need to Fix a Recessed Outlet
Before you begin, gather these essential tools to ensure a smooth and safe repair process:
- Phillips Head Screwdriver: Essential for removing and tightening most outlet cover plates and receptacle screws.
- Flat Head Screwdriver: Useful for gently prying off outlet covers and sometimes for loosening stubborn screws.
- Non-Contact Voltage Tester: Crucially important for verifying that the power to the outlet is completely turned off before you start working. This tool enhances safety by detecting live wires without direct contact.
- Outlet Spacers (or Shimming Plates/Electrical Box Extender): These are the primary components for bringing the outlet forward. Outlet spacers are small, plastic washers, while shimming plates are thin metal or plastic plates, and electrical box extenders are larger frames that provide a more substantial extension. Choose based on the depth of the recess.
- Screws (potentially longer): Depending on the method you choose, you might need longer screws to securely reattach the outlet after adding spacers or extenders. Measure the existing screws before purchasing replacements.
Alt Text: Assortment of tools laid out for fixing a recessed outlet, featuring a Phillips head screwdriver, a flat head screwdriver, a non-contact voltage tester, a pack of white outlet spacers, and a selection of screws on a white background.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Fix a Recessed Outlet
Follow these steps carefully to safely and effectively fix your recessed outlet:
1. Safety First: Turn Off the Power
Crucially important: Before you touch any electrical outlet, you must turn off the power to that outlet at your electrical panel. Identify the correct circuit breaker that controls the outlet you’ll be working on and switch it to the “OFF” position. If you are unsure which breaker controls the outlet, you may need to turn off the main power switch.
2. Verify Power is Off with a Voltage Tester
Never rely solely on the circuit breaker being off. Use your non-contact voltage tester to confirm that there is no live electricity flowing to the outlet. Place the tester near the outlet slots and ensure it indicates no voltage. Test multiple points on the outlet to be certain.
3. Remove the Outlet Cover Plate
Use your Phillips head screwdriver to unscrew and remove the outlet cover plate. Set the screw and cover plate aside in a safe place.
4. Unscrew and Gently Pull Out the Outlet Receptacle
Carefully unscrew the screws that secure the outlet receptacle to the electrical box. These are typically located at the top and bottom of the outlet. Once the screws are removed, gently pull the outlet straight out from the box. Do not disconnect any wires. You should be able to pull it out far enough to work behind it.
5. Choose Your Method: Spacers, Shimming Plate, or Extender
Now, assess the depth of the recess.
- Slight Recess (less than 1/4 inch): Outlet spacers are usually sufficient. These small plastic washers simply slide onto the mounting screws to push the outlet forward slightly.
- Moderate Recess (1/4 to 1/2 inch): A shimming plate or multiple outlet spacers may be necessary. Shimming plates offer a more substantial and even extension.
- Significant Recess (more than 1/2 inch): An electrical box extender is the best solution. This provides a frame that attaches to the existing box and effectively brings the mounting point forward significantly.
Alt Text: Detailed view of white plastic outlet spacers being installed onto the screws of a partially removed electrical outlet, illustrating how they create space behind the receptacle to bring it forward.
6. Install Spacers, Shimming Plate, or Extender
Using Outlet Spacers: Slide the outlet spacers onto the screws you removed in step 4. You may need to use several spacers per screw, depending on the depth of the recess.
Using a Shimming Plate: Place the shimming plate behind the outlet receptacle, aligning the screw holes. You might need to loosen the screws on the electrical box slightly to slide the plate into place.
Using an Electrical Box Extender: Attach the extender to the existing electrical box according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This usually involves screwing the extender onto the existing box.
Alt Text: Image depicting the installation process of a tan-colored plastic electrical box extender being screwed onto a white electrical box recessed within a wall, showcasing a solution for deeper outlet recesses.
7. Reattach the Outlet Receptacle
Carefully push the outlet receptacle back into the electrical box, ensuring the spacers, shimming plate, or extender remain in place. Align the screw holes and use the screws (potentially longer ones if needed) to reattach the outlet securely to the electrical box and through the spacers/shims/extender. Do not overtighten the screws.
8. Reinstall the Outlet Cover Plate
Replace the outlet cover plate and secure it with the screw you set aside earlier.
9. Restore Power and Test
Go back to your electrical panel and switch the circuit breaker back to the “ON” position. Test the outlet by plugging in a lamp or device to ensure it is working correctly.
When to Call a Professional Electrician
While fixing a recessed outlet is generally a simple DIY task, there are situations where it’s best to call a qualified electrician:
- If you are uncomfortable working with electricity. Safety should always be your top priority.
- If you find any damaged wiring (frayed, cracked, or exposed wires) when you pull out the outlet.
- If the electrical box itself is damaged or loose. This might indicate a more significant electrical issue.
- If fixing the recess doesn’t solve the problem, and the outlet still doesn’t work correctly.
By following these steps, you can confidently Fix How To repair a recessed electrical outlet and improve the safety and appearance of your home. This simple home repair project can make a noticeable difference and give you a sense of accomplishment in maintaining your living space.
