How do I replace an outside electric socket?

Vern,

Are you sure it's the socket? Have you checked the circuit breaker that socket is on to see if it has tripped? Have you tested the line to make sure it's not just a loose wire in the outlet box or somewhere else where there is a junction box? Use an electrical tester ( the non-contact voltage type). All you need to do is touch the wires with the tester and it will light up indicating there is current present. Start at the socket. Unscrew the socket and carefully pull it forward so you can see the wires and where they are screwed in. Don't shut off the circuit breaker as you need to see if there is current coming into the box. Test to see if there is current in the line and if any of the wires are broken or loose. If you have current, then the outlet needs to be replaced. If you do not have current coming into the socket, you need to trace the problem. Where does this line come into the house? Start there and work your way back to your electrical panel until you figure out where the issue is.

Ours has a small red reset button.

Hey Vern check to see if there is a reset button on the outlet. If there is, try to reset by pushing it in This outlet should be a GFI (ground fault interrupt) outlet and should have a reset button. If not I would recommend shutting of the breaker, pull the old outlet, check all the wires for corrosion clean them up, install the GFI outlet, make sure you have a good ground wire to it. Turn your breaker back on and check that it is working.