Symptoms
- Spring-loaded cover is cracked, hanging loose, or missing entirely
- Outlet has visible dirt, rust, or water staining
- Outlet trips more often since the cover broke
Likely causes
- CommonUV and weather degradation of the plastic coverOutdoor plastic covers become brittle over years of sun exposure and eventually crack.
- CommonPhysical damage from lawn equipment or impactMowers, trimmers, or falling branches commonly crack these covers.
- PossibleAn older, non-'in-use' style cover that doesn't seal well even when plugged inOlder flip-cap covers don't protect the outlet while something is plugged in, unlike modern in-use covers.
What to do
- Turn off the breaker for that outlet before replacing the cover.
- Remove the broken cover, keeping track of its mounting screws.
- Check the outlet itself for rust, corrosion, or water inside before covering it back up.
- Install a new weatherproof 'in-use' cover that seals around a plugged-in cord, not just an old flip cap.
- Make sure the gasket seats fully against the wall to keep water out.
- Restore power and test the outlet.
- Replace the outlet itself if it shows rust or corrosion rather than just covering a damaged one.
Tools and parts
- Screwdriver
Weatherproof in-use outlet coverSearch: “weatherproof in-use outlet cover kit”
When to call a pro
Call an electrician if the outlet itself shows corrosion or water damage rather than just the cover.
Safety
Use caution
Turn off the breaker before replacing the cover, and don't use the outlet uncovered in wet weather.