Socket repair
Socket repair & replacement
A socket problem is one of the most common reasons people search for an electrician — and one of the easiest to misjudge in either direction.
8 verified electricians currently cover this on Ideal Spark
Treat it as an emergency if
The socket is hot to the touch, has visible scorch or melt marks, makes a crackling or buzzing sound, or there's a burning smell near it. Stop using it immediately — switch off at the breaker for that circuit if you can identify it, or at the main switch if you can't — and book an emergency call-out.
Usually fine to book ahead
A socket that's simply stopped working, is loose, or has a cracked faceplate with no heat or smell is normally safe to leave switched off until a planned appointment — especially if you have another socket nearby you can use in the meantime.