How To Fix Sunken Electrical Outlet or Switch On Drywall - Fix a Sunken Outlet Tutorial the Easy Way

How To Fix Sunken Electrical Outlet or Switch On Drywall - Fix a Sunken Outlet Tutorial the Easy Way
Product Links:
Outlet Spacers: amzn.to/3UvFBEe
Insulated Screwdrivers: amzn.to/3Uqslks
Chapters:
00:00 - Inspect the sunken outlet
00:23 - Shims and spacers used for repairing sunken outlet
00:47 - How to remove cover plate
01:07 - How to install outlet shims and spacers
01:38 - Reinstall cover plate
Fixing a sunken electrical outlet is easy. And in this short video I'll show you what to do step by step. The outlet shown in the video isn't too bad. I've actually seen worse. But the receptacle isn't flush with the cover plate. This is caused by improper installation of the electrical box inside the wall. Which is not easy to fix.
To help adjust the positioning of the receptacle I'll use these plastic spacers. And I'll list this in the description so it's easy for you to find. These spacers are sectioned off so I can fold them on top of each other to make them thicker. I've actually seen outlets so bad that I needed two to three sections.
To get started, I'll shut off power to the room. Then use a flathead screwdriver to take off the cover plate. And lately I've been using insulated screwdrivers even though I know I know the power is off. Now I'll loosen the top and bottom mounting screws. Just loosen these a little bit without taking them all the way out. What I'm doing is creating room for the spacers.
For this outlet I'm only going to need one spacer and these can easily be torn off. Now just slide the plastic spacer behind the receptacle and onto the screw. If it's tough to get in just loosen the screw a little bit more. And it's possible that one end might need more spacers than the other. Now just tighten the screws to the receptacle and it'll hold those spacers in place. Last thing to do is reattach the cover plate.
Sunken in outlets are mainly a cosmetic issue... but they can be a hazard and code violation if they're really offset. And now you can see that the receptacle is flush with the cover plate like it's supposed to be. If this video was helpful please give me a thumbs up and hit the subscribe button to stay up to date on all my DIY videos!
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[@Mizzelphug]

Please, for all electricians' OCD, turn that cover plate screw a bit more until the slot is perfectly vertical. Thank you.

[@gregmize01]

lol, no

[@gregmize01]

Nice!

[@digitalcamproducer]

Glad you enjoyed my video tutorial!