For a lot of us men, it’s tempting to think we should be able to deal with any problem with the workings of our home. From weather damage to fences and roofing, to issues with plumbing and home appliances, being able to come up with a quick solution seems like the masculine thing to do.
But there are some situations which need the help of an outside expert. We’re talking about home emergencies – when something serious has happened with your home and it needs to be solved as soon as possible.
Here are some home emergencies that you shouldn’t try to tackle. Even Arnold Schwarzenegger needs to bring in some outside help sometimes.
Water Leak
If you’ve spotted water leaking from your home’s plumbing, you need to act quickly. Unusually low water pressure could also be a sign that there is an unseen leak in your home. First up, find the stop-cock and turn it off. You should know where your stop-cock is located as soon as you move in so you can limit any damage. It’s usually found under the kitchen sink.
You should find out who is responsible for the leak. Is it you, or the water company? If unsure, call your water supplier to find out. If you believe it is a leak on your property, and you have home emergency cover, call them straight away. They should send out a professional plumber to make emergency repairs. Otherwise, call an emergency plumber for assistance.
Boiler breakdown
Even the most technically-minded man can be flummoxed by a broken-down boiler. Don’t be tempted to tinker with it yourself – call a boiler mechanic straight away. Again, if you have a home emergency policy, call your provider asap. Most policies include emergency boiler repair – and over time can be a lot cheaper than calling out independent boiler repair firms – especially if your boiler goes kaput in the middle of the night. Boiler breakdowns are surprisingly common, especially when winter sets in and we start using our central heating a lot more – putting sudden pressure on the boiler system.
Damage to windows and doors
Damage to windows and doors can have all manner of causes – from general failure through wear and tear, to accidental damage to glass panes caused by the home owner. Since the security of you and your family is at stake, you should act quickly to make your home safe again. Call out a professional to fix the problem, whether that be a window repair specialist like T&C glass shop or a locksmith. Check to see if your home emergency cover includes damage to windows and doors – if so, your provider will quickly send out a trained service person to sort it out. While you may need to make a temporary repair – such as taping or boarding up a shattered window – you should get a permanent fix as soon as you can. Be aware that an insecure property could invalidate your home insurance.
Lost keys
If you lose your keys and cannot gain access to your home, don’t be tempted to break in, Jason Statham style. Call a lock smith – or your home emergency provider, if you have one. They should be able to come out quickly and address the problem.
Vermin infestation
How hard can it be to kill a rat? Or a family of mice that has taken residence in your home? Actually, locating and exterminating vermin can be tricky and time consuming if you don’t have the right skills or equipment. Call out a professional immediately – because a vermin infestation can pose a serious risk to all occupants, since rats and mice can carry and spread disease quickly. They can also pose a risk to your home’s electrical wiring and with it the possibility of fire. Read any home emergency policy to see if you’re covered for such an eventuality.
