[paper6]

I am smelling an electrical oder from the outlet in my bathroom for about a week now, it is very faint but surely there. Any suggestions before I call the electrition?

[Credendovidis]

It all depends on if you can and dare to repair electric installations.
Just remove the outlet cover and check what is going on there.
Most probably moisture has created a path over which electricity leaks away.
Once this occurs, you have most of the time to replace the socket.

After opening the outlet : do not touch anything. Just smell and try to find the cause of the problem. If it is dark you most probably can see slight sparking.

If you want to replace something do that during the day, and FIRST make sure the power at the switchboard has been disconnected.

Success.

[Stratmando]

Lizzards, ants, bugs can complete circuit and burn up, removing cover MAY reveal something.

[donf]

Paper6,

Does the outlet cover feel hot to the touch? Do you ever hear a sizzling sound when using the receptacle?

Remove the cover and takes a look (using a flashlight) at the connections to the receptacle. Make sure that there is no charring of the insulation around any or the connections you can see.

If you have leather work gloves, you can remove the mounting yoke and check behind the outlet for burned or charred wiring. If this makes you nervous, first turn the breaker that feeds this outlet off, then remove the mounting yoke and study the wiring.

Also, make sure the wire is copper and not aluminum wiring. If it is aluminum wiring, call an electrician.