Although some home emergencies are not as serious as your home being destroyed by a fire, they may still cause inconvenience. You can avoid stress and additional cost by being prepared for the most common ones.
Here are ten home emergencies that you are likely to encounter as a homeowner:
Power Failure
Most power failures are caused by extreme weather conditions, so there is not much that you can do to prevent them. In the event of a power failure, here’s what can come in handy:
- Clean up hazards such as outdoor furniture
- Have an emergency plan for your family
- Buy a generator if possible
Gas Leak
A gas leak is an emergency that could prove fatal if you fail to notice it early enough. If you suspect that there is a gas leak, you should do the following:
- Do not turn on any electrical gadgets
- Do not smoke
- Turn off the gas supply at the meter
Broken Hot Water System
Most of us rely on hot water more than we would like. Whether you are using hot water on your contemporary kitchen faucets or in the shower, you need your system up and running. Water heaters have a lifespan of 10-15 years, so it might be the right time to buy a new one. When replacing your water heater, it is necessary to hire a licensed installer.
Damaged Gutters and Roofs
A damaged roof needs to be repaired by a licensed professional. However, if your downpipe or gutter is simply clogged, you can fix it yourself and save on costs. Start by looking for leaves, as they can build up and block access to your drainage.
Look for a plastic bag, ladder, and a brush to remove the blockage from your drains. To get the most out of your drainage, do this regularly.
Broken Air Conditioning
If your heating unit is having problems, check for some of the following signs:
- The device is leaking water
- The unit is running but you are not getting any warm or cool air
If your water heater starts leaking water, you need to call in flooring experts, as it might lead to more damage such as rotting floorboards. You should keep your floors dry to prevent damage.
Water Leak
Water leakages cost less to fix in the short term, but if you wait, the structural damage will be more expensive to fix. If you have a leak, hire a plumber or water damage professionals before things go too far.
Burst Showerhead/Faucet
If your shower burst, turn off the water supply to avoid flooding. If you are not sure where the main shutoff is, get in touch with your landlord or building manager. Replacing a showerhead is not that hard.
Blocked Toilet
If your toilet is blocked and you want to DIY, invest in a good plunger and use some elbow grease. If this does not work, consider hiring a plumber.
Broken Window/Door
If you have a broken window or door, you need to fix it quickly to save on energy. You need a putty knife, masking tape, and a new glass pane to do the repair yourself.
Locked Out
Most people find themselves locked out of their homes at least once in their lifetime. If you ever find yourself in this situation, have a key hidden in one of the following places:
- Under the doormat
- In the lock
- In the mailbox
The next time any of these home emergencies occur, instead of panicking, take to these helpful tips and prevent further damage.
Article Submitted By Community Writer
