It happens to just about everyone. You’re going about your day when—bam—the power cuts out in one part of the house. Or maybe a light won’t turn on, no matter how many bulbs you try. If you're a homeowner in Weatherford, you’ve likely asked yourself this at least once: Can I fix this myself, or do I need to call someone in?

Some electrical issues are harmless enough to troubleshoot on your own. Others? Not so much. The key is knowing the difference before a small inconvenience turns into a safety hazard.

💡 Need a licensed electrician in Weatherford? Explore our full list of residential services here.

A Few Fixes You Can Tackle Yourself

Not everything that stops working requires a toolbox and a phone call. In fact, there are a handful of electrical problems that homeowners can usually solve quickly — without much risk.

1. Resetting a Tripped Breaker

This one’s common. You’ve got too many things running at once — the toaster, hairdryer, microwave — and suddenly the power goes out in part of the house. Head to your breaker panel (usually in the garage or utility area) and check for a switch that’s flipped halfway. If you spot one, turn it fully off, then back on.

But here’s the catch: if that same breaker keeps tripping again and again, it’s probably time to get it checked out. Frequent trips might point to deeper electrical issues, possibly related to your breaker box or outdated wiring.

➡️ Learn more about common causes of tripped breakers.

2. Resetting a GFCI Outlet

These outlets are designed to protect you from electrical shock, especially in areas like bathrooms and kitchens. If one of them stops working, look for a small reset button on the face of the outlet. Press it, and you’re usually back in business.

Still not working? That could be a sign something’s off in the wiring or circuit — which may need outlet repair or replacement from a pro.

3. Replacing Outlet or Switch Covers

This is more cosmetic than electrical. If you’ve painted a room and want the outlets to match, go ahead and swap out the cover plates. Just make sure the power is off when you do it — and don’t touch any wires while you’re at it.

When It’s Time to Call in the Pros

While it’s great to be hands-on around the house, electrical work can get dangerous fast. Here’s when you should put the tools away and pick up the phone instead.

1. Breakers That Keep Tripping

If you're constantly flipping the same breaker, you might be dealing with an overloaded system or an outdated electrical panel. This isn’t just annoying — it can be risky. Upgrading your breaker box may not be glamorous, but it could save you from major headaches down the road.

💡 We offer electrical panel upgrades designed to handle the power needs of modern homes.

2. Installing Fixtures or New Outlets

Wiring a ceiling fan or running a new outlet might seem simple on paper. But these jobs often require precise wiring, proper grounding, and compliance with local code.

Let a licensed electrician handle your light fixture or outlet installation to avoid issues down the road.

3. Buzzing or Burning Smells

Notice a strange sound coming from an outlet? Or maybe a burning smell that you can’t place? That’s not something to ignore. Electrical issues like these can become dangerous quickly, and they almost never fix themselves.

Our team handles troubleshooting and repairs for strange electrical issues in Weatherford homes every day.

Why Some Risks Aren’t Worth Taking

DIY can be rewarding — we get it. But electrical problems aren’t like patching drywall or fixing a leaky faucet. When something goes wrong with wiring or your breaker panel, it’s often out of sight and out of mind… until it’s not.

Aside from safety, there are other things to consider:

• Faulty work could void your homeowners insurance
  
  
• Improper repairs might not pass inspection if you sell your home
  
  
• You could be unknowingly creating a fire risk
  
  

That’s a lot to gamble with for the sake of skipping a service call.

Looking Out for Homeowners in the Weatherford Area

At Purefoy Electric, we work with homeowners across Weatherford and nearby communities every day. Whether it’s a flickering light, a full panel replacement, or something in between — we’ve seen it before, and we’re happy to help.

We understand local codes, we respect your time, and we treat your home like our own. If you’re not sure what’s safe to handle on your own, give us a call. We’ll talk you through your options and help you decide what makes sense.

Let’s Make Sure Your Home Stays Safe

Think something's off with your electrical system? Trust your gut — and trust a local team that knows what to look for.

👉Schedule your service today with Purefoy Electric, Weatherford’s go-to choice for safe, reliable residential electrical work.