Home Maintenance Tip: One of the most frequently encountered defects found during a home inspection are GFCI outlets that do not operate properly. These are the special outlets with two buttons found in bathrooms, kitchens, the exterior, most importantly for jetted tubs and hopefully the garage, unfinished basements and wet bar sinks. They are intended to protect us from serious electric shock in the presence of water. These outlets need to be exercised periodically, or they get stuck and will not perform their function. GFCI outlets must be cycled, as per manufacturer’s instructions, typically every month by pressing the “Test” and “Reset” buttons. The outlet should trip (click) when the “Test” button is depressed and power should be restored with the “Reset” button. If the outlet does not cycle it should be replaced.

Posted By: Marjorie Weschler