Save the call & the money...

We recently received a call from a homeowner whose exterior and garage outlets stopped working shortly after the house was pressure washed. Situations like this are common and serve as a good reminder of how helpful it is to have a trusted electrician or handyman available. It also raises an important question many homeowners ask afterward: “Why didn’t I check the simple things first?”

You may be surprised to learn that up to 30% of power-related service calls are resolved by something as simple as resetting a GFCI outlet, flipping a breaker, or plugging a cord back in. While these fixes are straightforward, they are often overlooked in the moment.

The challenge is that technicians must still charge for the service visit, even if the solution takes only a few minutes. These types of calls are not ideal for homeowners or professionals, as they result in unnecessary expense and put service providers in an uncomfortable position.

To help , check your GFCI's & CD's before calling . 

Bathrooms, kitchens, garages, and exterior outlets are typically protected by Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs). These safety devices are often located in a bathroom, garage, laundry room, or another accessible area of the home. It’s a good idea to know where all GFCI outlets are located and keep a simple list for quick reference.

If power is lost to outlets in one of these areas, the first step is to check the nearest GFCI outlet and press the “RESET” button. In many cases, this will immediately restore power to the affected circuit.

However, if the RESET button will not stay engaged or immediately trips again, do not continue attempting to reset it. This may indicate a more serious issue such as a short circuit, moisture intrusion, or electrical overload. At that point, it is advisable to contact a licensed electrician. GFCIs are designed as safety devices and will automatically shut off power when they detect a potential hazard, defaulting to the “OFF” position to protect you and your home.

Another common issue homeowners experience is when lights or outlets lose power in a specific area of the home. When this happens, the next step is to check the main circuit breaker panel.

Every homeowner should know the location of their circuit breaker panel and ensure that each breaker is clearly labeled. Proper labeling makes troubleshooting faster and safer.

If power is lost:

First, identify the breaker that controls the affected area.

If the breaker appears to be in the middle position or fully OFF, it has likely tripped.

To reset it, turn the breaker completely to the OFF position, wait a few seconds, and then switch it firmly back to the ON position.

In many cases, this restores power immediately.

However, if the breaker trips again, DO NOT attempt to reset it repeatedly or hold in the ON position. A breaker that continues to trip is signaling a larger issue such as an overloaded circuit, short circuit, or wiring problem. The breaker is doing its job by shutting off power to prevent overheating or fire.

Never attempt to force a breaker to stay in the ON position. Doing so can create serious electrical hazards, including the risk of fire. If the issue persists, contact a licensed electrician to properly diagnose and resolve the problem. Safety should always come first.

Addressing a garbage disposal issue is usually simple and can often be resolved without a service call. Garbage disposals are controlled by a wall switch and are typically connected to a GFCI-protected circuit. If the kitchen has power but the garbage disposal is not operating, follow these steps carefully.

First, toggle the wall switch off and then back on to ensure it was not accidentally switched off or partially engaged. If the unit still does not respond, the issue is usually either a tripped GFCI or the disposal’s internal overload protection.

Next, locate and check the GFCI outlet associated with the disposal—often found under the sink, on the backsplash, or in a nearby bathroom or garage. Press the “RESET” button to restore power if it has tripped.

Before attempting to reset the disposal itself, make sure the grinding plate (impeller) inside the unit can move freely. Never place your hand or fingers inside the disposal. If movement needs to be checked, use the manufacturer’s recommended tool or an Allen wrench in the bottom access port, if equipped. Obstructions should be cleared safely and carefully.

If the disposal stopped due to overheating, determine the cause before resetting it. Overheating commonly occurs from jams, overloading, or running the unit without water. Correct the underlying issue first.

To reset the unit, locate the small reset button—usually red—on the bottom of the disposal. Press it firmly until it clicks back into position. Then test the unit using the wall switch.

If the reset button trips again, do not continue pressing it repeatedly. The internal overload protection is designed to prevent electrical damage or fire. Repeated tripping indicates a deeper mechanical or electrical problem.

Always prioritize safety when working with electrical appliances. If the disposal continues to malfunction or if you are uncertain about the cause, contact a qualified professional for proper diagnosis and repair.

At Kingwood Homes, we believe informed homeowners and residents make confident decisions. Many common property concerns can be quickly resolved with a careful inspection, and we encourage occupants to review issues before seeking outside assistance. However, if there’s any uncertainty, our team and trusted professionals are always available to help. Your safety and peace of mind come first—and we’re here to provide the expertise and support you deserve.