There are a few household emergencies that do not really need explaining anymore. If the boiler breaks in the middle of winter or a wasps’ nest appears above the front door, well, that is going to demand attention without delay, and you likely know who to contact or what to do with a quick search.
The same applies for locking yourself out while your phone’s charging inside, or if the washing machine starts pouring water like it is trying to refill a local river. Those are the classics we all have to deal with at some point, even if we would prefer not to deal with.
Yet there are a few other less talked-about but still hugely disruptive household emergencies worth knowing about, and better yet, planning for in advance if only to avoid a lot of stress later.
In this post we will go over them:
Sudden Water Discolouration Or Contamination
It is fair to think that if the water’s still flowing then all is fine, but if you have ever gone to fill a kettle and found brown, yellow or cloudy water pouring out the tap, then you will know how quickly that trust can dissolve. There can be many causes for this, sometimes it is by nearby roadworks jostling the pipes or sediment that is been kicked up from a local repair. Sometimes it is rust in the system or a sign of something more serious in the main line.
Sure, occasionally it clears up on its own, but not always. If you use a hot water tank, sediment buildup can collect inside, and then the first sign is the bath looking like weak tea. Worse still, if it smells metallic or sulfurous, you are probably not going to risk washing your face in it, let alone cooking with it.
It is a good idea to keep a few bottled water packs in storage for this exact reason, and if it does happen, running the cold tap for a few minutes is sometimes enough to clear the system. If not, the water supplier’s emergency line can help you with the next steps, but either way, you will want to know what to do before it happens and someone’s halfway through brushing their teeth.
Your Heating Fails In Subzero Weather
This one always seems to strike at the worst possible moment, either just before guests arrive or when you have finally booked some time off to relax at home. Heating systems are sturdy for the most part, especially newer ones, but if they go down when the temperatures are sitting below freezing, you are not going to want to wait a day or two for an appointment slot to open up.
That is why it is good to have a backup heat source. Portable electric heaters are usually the go-to, just do not overload the socket and give it space to vent so it does not have any blockages. Having extra thick duvets, thermal curtains, and keeping the doors closed can all help you even if you need to make a run to the shops, but for the actual infrastructure here, it is the response time that matters most.
That is where having a number ready for emergency heat pump repair is worth preparing in advance, just in case the unit decides to give up when you need it most. You may find it tempting to try to troubleshoot alone, but getting someone who knows the specifics of your make and model to take a look is usually quicker and definitely safer, especially when electrics are involved.
Sump Pump Or Basement Flooding
Not every home has a sump pump, but if yours does and it fails during a heavy storm or power outage, then you will likely be dealing with water coming in whether you like it or not. If your basement is where the washing machine lives, or where you have set up a little home office or gym, that is a problem.
The key here is keeping an eye on weather alerts and being aware of your property’s risk factors. If your home sits lower than street level, or there’s a slope leading toward your back door, it is smart to have some basic flood barriers on hand and testing the sump pump once or twice a year. Pouring a bucket of water into the pit should be enough to kick it into action.
For backup, battery-powered sump pumps do exist, and they can be huge helpers if the mains power goes down too. You may not live in a spot where this is necessary, but if you do, then we can promise you will thank yourself.
Electrical Surges Or Circuit Trips
The odd fuse going out is one thing, it happens, you reset the switch, and life goes on. But a sudden surge that trips every circuit in the house, or worse, causes visible smoke or sparks, needs dealing with immediately. It might be caused by a faulty appliance or something in the main board itself, and unless you are trained, it is really not something to fiddle with yourself. Sometimes the smell can let you know an issue is about to happen as well, such as if your extractor fan smells metallic after a use.
You will want to know where your fuse box is, how to shut things off safely, and ideally, have a portable lantern or torch nearby because it usually happens when the house is pitch black and you are trying to remember where the batteries are kept.
Keeping key appliances like your router, fridge or computer on surge-protected power strips is also a low-effort step that can assist you, especially in areas that get lightning storms or if your local grid is a little temperamental. If it happens once, do not ignore it. That is the time to get a qualified electrician out before a bigger fault develops, and to be aware of any electrical fires and how to deal with them.
Unexplained Gas Smell Or Detector Alarm
This is serious, now. If you smell gas in the home or your carbon monoxide alarm starts going off, you act, quickly. Make sure your windows are open, get everyone out, and call the emergency gas line. If it is strong, just leave and get everyone out before worrying about the windows. More importantly, do not try to find the leak yourself, and definitely do not switch on any lights or electrical appliances on the way out.
You can prepare for this today, because a lot of homes still do not have carbon monoxide detectors installed, or they are sitting in a drawer without batteries. Because gas leaks can be silent and odorless at first, especially with carbon monoxide, this is not something that should be left to chance.
With this advice, we hope you can prepare for household emergencies, and we would absolutely love if you were safer in your home because of such insights.
