Triage guide for six home problems: what to do first, when to call 911 or the utility, which licensed trade is next, and what a handyman fixes afterward.
If anyone is in danger, call 911. If you smell gas, leave and call from outside. For a burst pipe, shut off the water at the main valve. For a burning smell from an outlet or appliance, stop using it and call an electrician, or 911 if there is smoke or fire. A handyman helps after it is controlled.
A handyman is not an emergency responder. This guide helps you decide what to do first.
What should you do first for a burst pipe?
1. Shut off the water. A utility notice from Illinois American Water, published in the Daily Herald, says to know where the main water shut-off valve is and, if a pipe freezes or bursts, to shut off water immediately.
2. Watch for electricity. Ready.gov's flood guidance says not to touch electrical equipment if it is wet or if you are standing in water, and to turn off the electricity if it is safe to do so. If the panel is in a wet area, do not go to it. Call 911 or your electric utility.
3. Call a licensed plumber. The Red Cross page on preventing and thawing frozen pipes says to call a licensed plumber if you cannot locate or reach the frozen area, or cannot thaw the pipe. It also says to check other faucets, since if one pipe freezes others may too.
4. Take photos before you clean up. They help with insurance and with the repair list.
Afterward: Plumbing repair is licensed work in Illinois. Once the plumber has fixed the pipe, a handyman can patch drywall, replace trim and repaint. But the area has to be dry first. The EPA's mold cleanup guidance says to fix plumbing leaks as soon as possible and dry all items completely, that absorbent materials such as ceiling tiles and carpet may have to be thrown away if they become moldy, and not to paint or caulk moldy surfaces.
What if there is no heat?
Check the thermostat and the breaker or pilot as the manufacturer instructs. If the heat does not come back, call a licensed heating contractor. Your landlord should be called first if you rent.
What to do while you wait, from the Red Cross winter storm preparedness page and Ready.gov:
- Never heat your home with a cooking oven or stove. This risks carbon monoxide poisoning and home fires.
- Keep anything that can burn at least 3 feet from space heaters and fireplaces.
- If you feel sick, dizzy or weak, get to fresh air right away. Carbon monoxide is odorless.
- Know where you can go if the home becomes too cold, such as a friend's house, a library or a warming center.
If the house is empty and the heat is out, frozen pipes are the next concern. The Red Cross advises that if you leave in cold weather, you keep the heat on at no lower than 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
What if you smell gas?
This is not a repair call. Leave first.
- Nicor Gas customers: The utility's safety page says to leave immediately, avoid anything that could cause a spark (lighters, matches, flashlights, light switches and phones near the suspected leak), and call Nicor Gas at 888.642.6748 and 911 from a safe place.
- North Shore Gas customers: The utility's emergency page says to leave the area immediately and call 866-556-6005 from a safe location. For carbon monoxide, leave the building and call 911.
Not sure which gas utility serves you? Look at your gas bill.
What if an outlet or appliance smells like burning?
The National Fire Protection Association's electrical safety checklist says to call a qualified electrician or your landlord if you have discolored or warm wall outlets, a burning or rubbery smell from an appliance, sparks from an outlet, or frequent tripping breakers.
Practical steps:
1. Stop using the outlet or appliance.
2. If you see smoke, flames or sparks, get everyone out and call 911.
3. Do not keep testing the outlet with other devices.
4. Call an electrician licensed or registered where you live. Electrical rules are set by each city or village.
Afterward: Once an electrician has fixed the wiring, a handyman can patch the wall, repaint and replace trim. Electrical work itself goes to a licensed electrician, and we refer it out.
What if a lock will not secure the door?
If someone is breaking in or you feel unsafe, call 911. Otherwise:
1. Do not leave the home unsecured if you can avoid it. Ask someone to stay, or use a temporary measure until a fix is possible.
2. Call a locksmith. If you rent, call your landlord, who may have a vendor.
3. Call your police department's non-emergency line if you want advice or a report.
A lock that fails is different from a door that sticks. If the lock works but the door has dropped or the strike plate is out of line, a handyman can often adjust it. A handyman can also repair the door frame or trim after a forced entry, once the opening is secured.
What if a window is broken?
If the break happened during a break-in, call 911 first. Otherwise:
1. Keep people and pets away from the glass.
2. Wear thick gloves and shoes when you pick up pieces.
3. Cover the opening so rain, snow and animals stay out.
4. Call a glass company for replacement.
Afterward: A handyman can repair interior trim, caulk and touch up paint around the new glass.
What if the ceiling is leaking?
Treat an active leak as a water problem first.
1. Move belongings and place a container under the drip.
2. If the water is coming from a plumbing line, shut off the water at the main valve.
3. If light fixtures are wet or water is near outlets, do not touch them and stay away. Ready.gov says not to touch electrical equipment if it is wet.
4. Find the source. A roof leak goes to a licensed roofer. A plumbing leak goes to a licensed plumber. A stain with an unknown source can be either.
The EPA's mold page says to act quickly on moisture and to fix leaks as soon as possible. It says that if a moldy area is larger than about 10 square feet, or the water damage was from sewage or contaminated water, you should read further guidance or call a professional.
Afterward: After the source is fixed and the area is completely dry, a handyman can cut out and patch damaged drywall, prime and paint.
Which problems can wait for a normal appointment?
If there is no active leak, no safety risk and the home stays secure, these can usually wait for a scheduled visit:
- Dripping faucet or running toilet (a licensed plumber)
- Sticking doors and loose handrails
- Small drywall holes and nail pops
- Failing caulk and worn paint
- Loose cabinet doors and hardware
If something is getting worse, such as a drip that is getting bigger, treat it as urgent.
Enhaus is family owned by Natasha and Eduard Semenenko, who live locally. A handyman is not an emergency responder, and plumbing, electrical and roofing go to licensed independent contractors. See Handyman vs. licensed contractor in Illinois.
FAQ
Should I call 911 for a burst pipe?
Not usually. Shut off the water first and call a licensed plumber. Call 911 if the water is near electrical equipment, if anyone is hurt, or if there is any fire or smoke.
Who do I call if I smell gas?
Leave the building first, then call your gas utility and 911 from outside. Nicor Gas customers call 888.642.6748. North Shore Gas customers call 866-556-6005.
When can a handyman help after an emergency?
After the cause is fixed and the area is dry. A handyman can handle patching, painting, trim, caulk and door adjustments. The plumber, electrician or roofer does the repair that stopped the problem.
Can I wait on a ceiling stain?
Only if you know the source is fixed and the stain is dry. A stain that is new, growing or wet needs a licensed plumber or roofer to find the source first.
To send your list and photos, call or text (847) 877-1877.
