How To Fix Sunken Outlet | 2 Easy Options

If you own an older home or possibly just did a backsplash project needing to fix a sunken outlet or light switch is a common job. This does not need to be complex but there are a few things to consider and tips I will show you to ensure you can get this fixed yourself giving a professional finished product.

Free Home Maintenance Checklist

Supplies Show In Video

Wago 221 Lever Nuts

Chapters
0:00 Intro
0:49 What Causes A Sunken Outlet
2:27 How To Install Spacers On An Outlet
6:30 How To Fix Drywall Damage Showing Past Wall Plate
7:33 When and Why To Use A Box Extender
8:41 How To Install A Box Extender
9:40 Finished Product

DISCLAIMER: This video and description contain affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission.

[catblue]

Most everything you covered in this video was new to me. The spacers, the box extender, the larger face plates, and how to deal with a poorly done outlet was all new to me. Thank you. It looked much better and safer when you finished.

[johnjperricone]

Dude, I've been in construction for forty-plus years, and even though I have used all of these parts and tools, I didn't know SO MUCH of this. Terrific. I really enjoy your channel. Teaching an old dog like me new tricks.

[charleshall]

Im a homeowner and appreciate your videos. Didnt know about spacers or inserts. Your videos allow average homeowners to learn what products are available that we wouldnt othewise know. So thank you.

[justrightheightbear]

All instructional videos should be like this. To the point, only useful info, good angles and lighting, clear audio, and added bonus of indexed sections. You've gained a subscriber. Thanks!

[buddyboyx]

At 73 I have wired, fixed, moved all kinds of these outlets. I have encountered all the issues shown in this video but just struggled to fix them by repairing drywall, replacing the whole box and so on. You introduced me to a number of approaches I was not aware of such as the spacers, box inset and also cutters that can cleanly cut screws. Great information, thank you.

[leftseat]

I like your STYLE of presentation the most....but your content was also top notch!

[billyboyfloyd]

Good video but could be great! One very important safety step you forgot! Before using your tester to show power is "OFF", you should show that the tester actually works by plugging it into a source of power, thus it shows your audience that the power lights on tester comes "ON".

[orbit]

I learned how to deal with poorly cut drywall. I find from my own house that the previous owner cared about nothing, and constantly finding these tricky situations keep popping up. I'm not a super handyman so I watch videos like yourself because you don't go over perfect world scenarios where everything is easy to replace, but the tricky situations that come from bad care or neglect of a house. Thank you once again...you've helped me fix many issues.

[jimchallender]

Fine points of safety and how to deal with "old house issues". Thanks

[patbullard]

I’ve done a fair amount of home repair as a pure amateur and haven’t ever seen any of of the products you used. Thanks for the education.

[scooter]

Agreed. I am the building maintenance technician for a company and I was given the task of fixing some of the outlets. I had NO CLUE how until I came across this. This video is going to save our company tons of money by not having to hire it out to a subcontractor. It's like they were listening to our conversation in the meeting...and probably were. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR POSTING THIS!!

[polywog]

Very informative. I am 62 years old, and have done dozens of outlets over the years, and 90% of what you covered was new to me. Thank you!

[edcook]

Have watched a few of your vids so far and one thing stands to me is your readiness to say you were corrected on something or told you left something out. I appreciate your honesty and it gives me great confidence you are putting out quality and accurate tips and guidance. You do it in a very clear way. Keep up the great work!!

[rontiemens]

I love your videos. You are one of the few youtube creators who carefully plans out what you are going to say; so you don't hem and haw and improvise and repeat yourself over and over. There is no "filler and fluff" in your script. It is all straight and to the point, not to mention abundantly clear, and I really really appreciate that. You plan out each of your shots, and apparently you use good video equipment. Love it. And your content is perfect for DIYers. Videos done by pros, as good as they are, often leave out important details that the DIYer might not know. Videos done by most DIYers, on the other hand, often leave out important details that the creators simply do not know because they are DIYers. Your videos are in that "sweet spot" where you include many important details that the pro knows and the DIYer would be well advised to adhere to. In this video, I learned about the spacers, inserts, oversized wall plates, and the code violtion of too much exposed sheetrock was news to me. I love these added details. Finally, I WANT THAT SCREWDRIVER! Headed to your store now... :-)

[gregcollins]

The spacers and the insert is new to me and this exactly what I was searching for.

[taximan]

I appreciate learning about the spacers, the inserts, aa well as the sizing of the screws. And I had not noticed the screw cutting capability of the wire stripper tool. High scores!

[richtagman]

Thanks for the new (to me) info about the spacers. I have “flipped 10 houses in my life, and always aligned electric boxes to the wall by cutting the old nails inside the box, and/or pulling out the nails sideways using a vise grip and hammer, then reposition the box to the stud with a screw. Then I would fill the surrounding of the box with drywall compound (mud). I also (rarely) used the oversized cover. This trick here is way more convenient because you don’t need to repaint. 😀
I also want to share one of the mysteries of my life. While visiting my old parents (in my twenties), I stayed overnight and I was sleeping in my old bedroom. Then right in the middle of the night, I just opened my eyes. (I didn’t hear or see anything to warn me to wake up and open my eyes!). Then I saw a flame on the wall about 4 feet away from me, that was about the size of a candle flame, licking the wall just above that outlet. I was stunned to see that happening, and to this day (I am now 69 years old), I still don’t know why I woke up to such a small and silent little flame, and most of all WHY did the outlet ignite? Of course, I threw a glassful of water on it and then turned off the breaker. In the morning, I cleaned the box which was full of sawdust and lots of dust, and bought a new outlet, skinned the wires and properly tightened the screws to prevent arcing. The walls were made of 1/8” Masonite, which was highly combustible, contrary to drywall.
I can’t imagine that if this had happened without me there, my old parents would have perished in their house.
Thanks for listening! 🔥

[ByronLuoma]

Wow, I'm an electronic technician and have been a do-it-your-self electrician for years and I picked up the spacers to raise the outlet, the sleeve to protect the hot side and the larger plates to cover too large holes in the drywall. And I've probably run across an outlet in wood like you showed and now I know how to do it by code. Thanks - amazing stuff you are showing us! Thanks. Keep it up.

[chriscutress]

I never knew about inserts. In the past I've had to actually disconnect the wiring and replace the enclosure to the correct depth before rewiring the outlet. A handy tip ...

[claudettewilliams]

Great information for cleaning up incompetence of an "Has no honor" contractor! I found several outlets cover cracking and wondered why! Also purchasing larger covers to compensate imperfect hole that was made! Contractor probably hoped he wouldn't be caught! Thanks to your video, this 78 soon to be 79 years old lady in March 2022 is blessed to correct the inferior crastmanship!
Good job!