From burst pipes to locked doors, unexpected household emergencies can truly throw your plans for the day out of the window, and often bring with them huge amounts of stress.
When something like a burst pipe happens, your first reaction is often panic. Escaping water tends to have that effect. But knowing you have a trusted tradesperson to call on can make a huge difference.
Skilled tradespeople offer services 24/7 for this very reason. In the case of emergencies, they are just a quick call away. And while not every sudden maintenance situation needs professional help straight away, knowing the right time to call a professional can help ease the stress when things do go wrong.
Locks that break or suddenly stop working or getting locked out - it’s always at the most inconvenient time.
It can happen to the best of us – you step outside for a moment, and the door shuts tightly behind you. Being locked out of your home can vary from a minor annoyance to a full-blown crisis depending on your circumstances, such as having young children indoors or being stuck outside in the rain, or in a towel.
If there truly is no easy way of getting access back into your property, don’t panic or try to break in – call a 24-hour locksmith who can get you back in quickly and safely.
But don’t call the police or fire service unless it’s truly a matter of life or death. Those emergency services get a lot of calls for lockouts, only to find there’s no real emergency. It’s a waste of valuable resources and they won’t help if it’s not a genuine emergency either.
When a key breaks in the lock it’s hugely inconvenient. But if your key does get jammed in the lock or even breaks off, don’t make things worse by trying to fix things yourself. You could damage the lock. Search for an emergency locksmith and get a local professional out to help. They can help sort your lock problems with as little damage as possible.
A break-in is always a bad experience. And if that has happened, you’ll probably be looking to change your locks as soon as possible. Even losing your keys can make you feel like you need to change the locks. An emergency locksmith can replace locks quickly when you feel that your security has been compromised. The peace of mind will be worth it.
The number of an emergency plumber could be one of the most useful numbers you have. Keep it on the fridge.
An escape of water can be a hugely stressful time. If a pipe bursts and water is escaping, call a plumber immediately.
Burst pipes can mean water damage, even if it’s not gushing over the floor. Left untreated small leaks can cause damage to floorboards, ceilings, fixtures, walls and wallpaper over time. If you can’t fix it yourself, contact an emergency plumber. Major leaks can have knock-on consequences, such as damage to interior furnishings.
Cold weather can freeze and expand standing water in pipes, causing them to burst. Pipes can also burst when they’ve been under excessive pressure or get blocked by things like food debris. Sometimes pipes are improperly installed, causing pressure on joints that eventually gives.
Sewage looks unpleasant, smells unpleasant and can have serious health consequences. If drains are smelly or backing up, or your toilet is blocked or overflowing, it’s the right time to call in a plumber.
Sewage backups can cause significant issues for homeowners. They are not only inconvenient but also pose serious health and property risks. Here's a closer look at the problems associated with sewage backups.
When sewage overflows, it can ruin floors, walls, and personal belongings often rendering them unsalvageable.
Sewage backups can attract pests, including insects and rodents. Once inside, they can spread disease and cause additional damage to your property.
But one of the most immediate concerns with sewage backups is the health risk. Sewage contains harmful bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Exposure can lead to serious illnesses, including gastrointestinal infections, hepatitis, and skin infections.
Dealing with a sewage backup is stressful and inconvenient.
There’s never a moment when you want no hot water. From showers to heating, if your hot water suddenly stops, call a plumber for help as soon as possible.
With a gas water heater, the pilot light might be out. You may have an electrical fault or a malfunctioning thermostat, which can prevent the water heater from reaching the desired temperature. In electric water heaters, the heating elements might fail.
Also, over time, sediment from minerals in the water can build up at the bottom of the tank, reducing heating efficiency. Flushing the water heater tank can help remove sediment.
Regular maintenance is crucial for the proper functioning of a water heater. Lack of maintenance can lead to various problems, including inefficient water heating.
Getting annual inspections and maintenance can prevent issues. But if you have a problem, calling a plumber will get your hot water back up and running.
Sudden power failures are often down to problems with the national grid, but if the problem is specific to your property an emergency electrician can help.
If your fuseboard is constantly tripping, an electrician can help.
However, if you’re seeing sparks, then the situation gets a bit more serious. The risk of electrocution and fire is enough to call for an emergency electrician immediately. Electricity is dangerous and any fixes shouldn’t be attempted without expert knowledge.
Gas leaks carry the risk of poisoning/suffocation and explosion. Take them seriously.
If you notice that distinct smell of gas, first check your hobs or gas fire, just to make sure they haven’t been left on. Open windows and don’t turn on the light switch, switch on any electrical appliance or use a naked flame.
If you suspect a gas leak, leave the property immediately and call the gas company.
If you have an infestation of fleas, it’s definitely something you will want dealt with sooner rather than later. But if you’re allergic to stinging insects, dealing with a wasp’s nest might be extra urgent.
If the infestation is extensive or involves dangerous pests, professional help is vital. Professional exterminators have the tools and knowledge to handle large-scale problems safely.
Some pests pose obvious health risks. Rodents and cockroaches can spread disease for example, and bees and wasps can cause severe allergic reactions in some people. When there are such health risks, fast professional intervention is important.
Pests have the potential to cause structural damage too. For example, rodents can chew through wood, insulation, and even drywall, leading to structural weaknesses. They might also burrow into foundations, which can undermine the stability of the building. So if you notice structural damage in your property, call a specialist as a matter of urgency.
Cracks and chips in window glass can worsen over time, leading to complete breakage and potential safety hazards. A broken window can also provide easy access for intruders, so it's important to secure the opening immediately.
Window seal failures can allow water to enter, causing damage to the interior and promoting mould growth. Also, doors and windows that are stuck or misaligned can be difficult to open or close, weakening your security and the window or door’s functionality.
An emergency at home may need urgent action. It’s important not to panic and always put safety first. A professional will have no problem being called out just to make sure things are safe.
And acting quickly can prevent further damage and most emergencies are common callouts for professionals. At Able Group our emergency engineers are here 24/7 and ready to help with your problems. Call us on 0330 108 4111 and speak to one of our helpful advisors who will help put your mind at rest.