Emergency Repairs: What to Do Before We Arrive
By NorTech Services
Emergencies can happen when you least expect them—whether it’s a burst pipe flooding your basement, a malfunctioning HVAC system during a heatwave, or a sudden electrical issue that leaves your home in the dark. While it’s important to call in professionals like NorTech to handle the repair, knowing what to do before we arrive can make a huge difference in preventing further damage and ensuring a safer environment for everyone involved.
Here’s what you can do when facing an emergency repair, and how to prepare while you wait for help to arrive.
1. Stay Calm and Assess the Situation
Why It’s Important:
The first step is to remain calm and assess the situation. Panicking can cloud your judgment, making it harder to think clearly about how to prevent further damage.
What to Do:
- For plumbing issues: Check where the leak is coming from and try to identify the source (e.g., a burst pipe, a leaking faucet, or a clogged drain).
- For electrical issues: Identify if there’s any visible damage like sparks, smoking wires, or a burning smell.
- For HVAC issues: If your AC or heating system stops working, note if there are any unusual sounds, leaks, or smells.
2. Shut Off the Power (If Needed)
Why It’s Important:
When dealing with electrical issues or systems that could pose a fire hazard, shutting off the power is one of the most important safety precautions you can take.
What to Do:
- For electrical emergencies: Head to your circuit breaker panel and turn off the power to the affected area. If you smell burning or see smoke, don’t hesitate—shut off the main power supply to your home.
- For water-related emergencies: If you suspect the issue is a water leak, find your home’s main water shut-off valve and turn it off to stop the flow of water.
3. Contain the Problem (If Safe to Do So)
Why It’s Important:
Containment can prevent the problem from spreading or worsening while you wait for us to arrive. This step may involve moving valuable items out of harm’s way or securing the area.
What to Do:
- For plumbing emergencies: Use towels, buckets, or a mop to soak up any water in the affected area. Place a container under a leaking pipe to catch any water.
- For HVAC emergencies: If your system has frozen pipes or leaking coolant, avoid turning the system back on until the issue is addressed.
- For electrical emergencies: If you notice exposed wires, carefully clear the area and avoid using that outlet or appliance. Ensure no one comes into contact with the area.
4. Take Pictures (For Insurance and Documentation)
Why It’s Important:
Documenting the situation with photos can be helpful for insurance claims, warranty purposes, and future reference. It also helps us better understand the issue before we arrive.
What to Do:
- Take clear pictures of the damage or affected area, including any visible electrical components, pipes, or parts of the HVAC system that are involved.
- Record any other relevant information, such as the time the issue started, any smells or sounds you noticed, and anything you’ve already done to mitigate the situation.
5. Make Sure the Area Is Safe
Why It’s Important:
Safety should always be your top priority during any emergency repair. Taking the necessary precautions ensures no one gets hurt while waiting for our professionals to arrive.
What to Do:
- For electrical issues: If there’s a risk of electrocution, do not touch electrical equipment or wires. Clear the area of children, pets, and other household members.
- For plumbing leaks: Keep towels and rags handy to soak up excess water, but avoid walking through areas that may have standing water. If you’re dealing with a significant leak, you may need to evacuate the area temporarily.
6. Gather Any Necessary Information
Why It’s Important:
When we arrive, we’ll need to gather details to help us quickly assess and resolve the issue. Having this information ready can save time and make the repair process smoother.
What to Do:
- For plumbing issues: Be ready to describe the type of fixture involved (toilet, sink, pipe, etc.) and where the leak is coming from.
- For electrical problems: Know if there have been any previous electrical issues, power surges, or if there are any damaged outlets or circuits.
- For HVAC problems: Let us know the brand and model of your HVAC system, when the issue began, and whether it’s affecting heating or cooling.
7. Stay In Touch and Follow Up
Why It’s Important:
If any new developments arise, or if the situation worsens while you’re waiting, staying in touch with us will help us respond more effectively.
What to Do:
- Call us immediately if things escalate—such as increasing water flow, an electrical fire hazard, or worsening HVAC performance.
- Let us know if you notice any new signs—such as strange smells, additional leaks, or unusual sounds.
8. Prepare to Give Access to Our Technician
Why It’s Important:
When we arrive, our technician will need full access to the area where the problem is happening to provide an accurate diagnosis and perform the repair.
What to Do:
- Clear any obstacles blocking access to plumbing, electrical panels, or HVAC systems.
- Have keys, garage codes, or other access information ready to ensure our technician can easily reach the affected area.
Conclusion: Safety First, Repair Second
Emergencies can be overwhelming, but taking the right steps before NorTech arrives can help you minimize damage and ensure your safety. Stay calm, assess the situation, and take appropriate action to contain the issue. Once we arrive, we’ll handle the rest, restoring your home to its safe and functional state.
