Water and Electricity Don’t Mix—That’s Why GFCI Protection Matters
Understanding the Role of GFCI Outlets in Your Home
A GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlet is a simple safety device that performs a powerful function: it shuts off power the moment it detects an electrical imbalance. That tiny disruption might be caused by water, a faulty appliance, or damaged wiring—and left unaddressed, it can lead to dangerous shocks or even fires. A GFCI outlet reacts in milliseconds, stopping the current before it can cause harm.
If your home has outlets near water—think bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, basements, garages, or outdoor patios—code requires GFCI protection. But beyond code, it’s just smart. Done Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electric installs, replaces, and upgrades GFCI outlets to ensure your home is up to date and fully protected.
Where GFCI Outlets Belong (and Why They Sometimes Don’t Work)
Kitchens, Bathrooms, and More
GFCI outlets are required by the National Electrical Code in any location where moisture or ground contact is likely. That includes:
- Kitchen counters
- Bathroom vanities
- Garages and unfinished basements
- Laundry rooms
- Outdoor patios, decks, and porches
- Utility sinks and crawlspaces
If your home is older, you might still have standard outlets in these areas. And even if GFCIs were installed years ago, they can wear out over time—especially in damp environments. Our electricians can evaluate your existing outlets and make sure your home meets both code and common-sense safety standards.
When a GFCI Outlet Stops Resetting
One of the most common questions we get is: why won’t my GFCI outlet reset? The truth is, these outlets are sensitive by design—and sometimes that’s a good thing. If it won’t reset, it could mean:
- The outlet has failed and needs to be replaced
- There’s moisture or a ground fault in the line
- The GFCI is wired to another GFCI downstream
- There’s an issue with your circuit breaker or panel
Done’s licensed electricians can diagnose the cause and get your system back in working order without the guesswork.
Upgrading to GFCI Is a Simple Way to Improve Safety
Replace Standard Outlets with GFCI for Better Protection
If you still have regular outlets in moisture-prone areas, upgrading them to GFCI is a small project with a big safety payoff. Installing a GFCI outlet requires wiring it to your existing system, testing the circuit for faults, and confirming that the reset functionality works properly. It’s especially important to get this right in older homes with mixed wiring or DIY history.
Whether you’re planning a remodel, prepping for a home sale, or just fixing that one old outlet near your kitchen sink, Done can help you make the smart, safe choice.
Why Professional GFCI Outlet Installation Matters
It’s About More Than Swapping the Faceplate
Replacing or installing a GFCI outlet isn’t just about popping in new hardware. Done’s electricians check the full picture—wiring integrity, outlet box capacity, and whether the existing circuit can handle the upgrade. We also ensure proper grounding, label protected outlets downstream, and test everything thoroughly before we leave.
Incorrect installation can lead to GFCIs that appear to work but won’t trip when they should—or worse, fail silently. Our licensed electricians do it right the first time, so you don’t have to worry about hidden risks.
Outdoor GFCI Outlets and Weather-Resistant Options
Protection That Works Rain or Shine
Outdoor outlets are especially vulnerable to water exposure—and code requires them to be both GFCI-protected and weather-resistant. We install outdoor GFCI outlets with the correct covers and enclosures to keep moisture out and power safely flowing. Whether it’s a back patio outlet for your grill or a front porch connection for holiday lights, Done makes sure every outdoor plug is both functional and secure.
Why Homeowners Across Aurora and Greater Denver Trust Done
Done Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electric has been serving the area since 1999. We know the quirks of older homes, the latest code updates, and how Colorado’s climate affects everything from panel load to patio outlets. Our GFCI installation service is fast, code-compliant, and backed by our Home Comfort Guarantee.
From swapping out a single outlet to upgrading every at-risk area in your home, we handle it all. No shortcuts. No confusion. Just safe, professional work done by people who care about your home as much as you do.