Backstabbed outlets are a documented fire risk in pre-1985 homes

Push-in (backstab) connections on receptacles use a spring clamp that loosens over time, creating high-resistance connections that arc and generate heat. The CPSC documented this as a leading cause of residential electrical fires. Per NEC 2020, screw terminals or clamp-style connections are strongly preferred. When doing any work on a pre-1985 outlet, replace the receptacle entirely — do not reuse backstabbed connections.