We’ve all experienced those 2 am emergencies that leave us feeling both annoyed and helpless at the same time. An electrical switchboard that keeps tripping the power or a burst water pipe are only two examples that may require the assistance of a professional.
A lot of Australians have learnt the hard way that it’s always better to enlist the services of an after-hours electrician to fix an emergency. It’s a good idea to have a list of emergency numbers stuck on your fridge for those 2 am emergencies. That way, you’ll get the best (and safest) help when you need it most.
Be Prepared for an Emergency
As a homeowner, you may think that you can DIY your way out of any home emergency. However, it’s essential to understand that some emergencies will always require a professional for effective resolution.
We’ve compiled a list of the top emergencies that should only be handled by a professional. This will not only ensure that the problem is resolved effectively but will also keep everyone in the home safe.
- Electrical Problems
Electrical emergencies can appear in different forms, and some may not even seem all that serious. If not resolved, small issues can turn into more serious safety hazards and become a risk for electrical shock and fire.
Problems such as those listed below should never be ignored:
- Sparking outlets
- Recurring power outages
- Burning smell
- Unusual fluctuations
- Outlets that are hot to the touch
While it’s true that not all of these will warrant a 2 am call out, it’s essential to address the matter as soon as possible. All of these issues are signs of a much larger problem. Call an electrician to assess the situation and provide the necessary repairs.
- Plumbing Emergencies
Plumbing emergencies can go from a minor inconvenience to a major emergency quite quickly if not addressed. What started as a minor leak can escalate to a burst pipe or irreparable water heater.
Plumbing emergencies will not only damage other surrounding plumbing fixtures, but water damage can ruin floors, carpets, and furniture. In addition to that, areas where water may get into also become a breeding ground for mould. Speak to your plumber about any concerns you have and fix any small issues before they become a terrible nightmare.
- Gas Leaks
There’s a golden rule among plumbers who work with gas, and it is, “Every gas issue is an emergency”. This is because gas is highly volatile and can be fatal to the occupants of the home or business, if not addressed immediately. Always remember, there’s no such thing as a “little gas leak”.
If you have any gas appliances or a gas water heater, it’s essential to check on these regularly. Leaking gas sometimes sounds like hissing air escaping a pipe and smells like rotten eggs. If anyone in your household notices this sound or smell, it’s best to get everyone out of the house immediately.
People exposed to gas will also begin to feel lightheaded, get a sudden headache, and start to feel sleepy. These people will need to be checked out by a doctor.
- Pest Control
You may not see pest control as an emergency. Not if you compare it to a gas leak or a burst water pipe. However, pests such as termites can pose a severe threat to your home’s structure as they silently nibble away at the timber framework. Rodents pose an equally dangerous threat as they can eat through electrical wiring.
As with cockroaches, rodents can also spread disease. You may think you can deal with this problem by getting some pesticides from your local store.
However, it’s important to point out that continuously spraying poison in your home poses its own set of health risks to the occupants and pets inside. Granted, the sight of a cockroach at 2 am doesn’t warrant an emergency call out, but you should definitely give your local pest controller a call to assess and safely deal with the problem.
- Issues With Your HVAC
Anyone who feels as though they can’t cope without the comfort that their HVAC brings will know how serious this problem can be. With global temperatures rising and people dying of heat exposure, it’s essential to have your HVAC working in your home.
This is especially the case if you have a baby or small child, an elderly person or an ill person who may easily become faint or overwhelmed in the heat. Failing HVACs lead to excessive humidity and poor air quality so it’s important to routinely change the filters and call an expert when the unit isn’t working correctly.
Final Thoughts
No matter how good you are at DIY around your home, it’s important to keep in mind that some emergencies need to be solved by professionals. Opting to use a professional will ensure that everyone in your home is safe and also gives you peace of mind that you have handled the problem in the best possible way!
