Emergency Do's and Don'ts

Here are some guidelines to aid you in the event that you experience any of these emergency situations:

Complete loss of heat

Check the function of the thermostat—the main floor thermostat been switched to the off setting?

Check to see if the master electrical power switch has been shut off.

Check the temperature inside/outside the home—if outside temperatures are moderate (Fall and Spring) the home will not cool down to an unreasonable temperature so standard service call during business hours may be suggested.

If you have a high-efficiency furnace, make sure that the exterior vents are not blocked by snow this condition can trigger a shut down of the furnace.

Gas Leak

Everyone in the home should leave immediately and the appropriate gas utility and/or repair service must be contacted immediately.

Complete loss of electricity

Determine whether an area wide situation exists the local electrical utility will handle the problem in this situation.

If part of the home is off, perform a routine check of the circuit breakers, ground fault interrupters, etc.

Only in the case where there is no electricity in the entire home (unique to this home only) will an emergency service call be required.

Complete stoppage of sewage disposal

Determine whether an entire blockage exists—odour in basement and sewage spilling into the basement from the floor drain are typical indicators.

Where a fixture (sink, toilet) is blocked but all other fixtures function normally, a regular service call on the next business day should be appropriate.

Most homes have more than one toilet and tub/shower fixture. Although it may be inconvenient for you when a fixture cannot be used, it is not considered an emergency when other fixtures still function.

Plumbing leaks

Determine the nature of the leak and whether you can isolate the problem by shutting off individual line or fixture valves. Where a leak can be stopped in this manner and you have the use of plumbing fixtures, this situation is not deemed an emergency and can be handled by a normal service call.

For a situation where the entire house must be shut down at the main shut off or for the unusually situation where the service from the street is broken/frozen etc., then an immediate service call must be arranged.

Major water penetration

Determine the location and severity of the leak.

Where the leak is minor such as through window or door seals or minor seepage through basement cracks (no major/continuous accumulation of water), you should be able to deal with the situation until a normal service call can be arranged.

Where water penetration is continuous, especially through the walls and roof that may likely cause collapse of drywall or severely damage interior finishes, a service call should be made immediately. Temporary measures will probably be required to stop or reduce the penetration to a manageable level until such time as the exact cause can be determined and a correct repair implemented.