Electrical Troubleshooting Services
- TriCities Electric
You need answers—not just a temporary fix —when something isn’t working right.

- Troubleshooting
Try These Quick Electrical Fixes First
1. Reset a Tripped Breaker
Open your panel and look for a breaker in the middle or "off” position. Flip it all the way off, then firmly back on. If it keeps tripping, unplug the appliances on that circuit and try again. Still no luck? Time to call us.
2. Test a GFCI Outlet
If outlets in your kitchen, bathroom, or garage suddenly stop working, find the nearest GFCI outlet (it'll have "test" and "reset" buttons). Press "reset." If it won't stay on, the issue may be deeper in the wiring.
3. Swap Out a Bulb
Flickering or non-working light? Try replacing the bulb. If that doesn't help, check if the light fixture is on a switch-controlled outlet or timer.
4. Check for Loose Plugs
Sometimes, outlets stop working because plugs have loosened over time. Try plugging a different device in. Still nothing? It could be the outlet itself.
5. Eliminate Overloads
Too many things plugged into one circuit can cause tripping or buzzing. Unplug a few items and see if the problem stops.
Smell burning? Hear buzzing? See the scorch marks?
Shut off the power at the breaker and call us immediately. These are severe signs of potential fire risk.
Common Issues We Troubleshoot:
Flickering Lights
Whether it's one room or the whole house, flickering can be a sign of loose wiring, overloaded circuits, or a failing breaker. We'll find the source and resolve it safely.
Buzzing Outlets or Switches
A buzzing sound or a warm faceplate isn't typical. It could point to a loose connection or an aging component. Don't ignore it—we can diagnose and repair it quickly.
Tripping Breakers
If your breaker keeps flipping, something's pulling more power than it should—or there's a short. We'll assess your panel and circuits to find the culprit.
Dead Outlets or Light Fixtures
An outlet or switch that suddenly stops working can be frustrating. We'll test your wiring, replace faulty components, and restore your power correctly.
Burning Smells or Scorch Marks
These are major red flags. If you smell burning plastic or see discoloration around an outlet, turn off the power and call us immediately.
GFCI and AFCI Problems
Modern safety outlets and breakers protect your home, but when they won't reset or trip constantly, we'll get to the root of the issue.
Why Call TriCities Electric?
- Experienced, licensed troubleshooters
- No-pressure, honest recommendations
- Fully stocked trucks = faster repairs
- Transparent pricing before any work starts
- Local pros who know the codes

Book Your Electrical Diagnosis Today
Don’t play guessing games with your home or business’s power. We’ll get to the bottom of it if it’s acting up.
TriCities Electric — Powered by Integrity. Committed to Safety.