Emergency help for your home

Some jobs cannot wait. A burst pipe, no power or being locked out needs quick action, because delay usually makes things worse. These pages tell you what to do first and what a call-out should cost.

We cannot promise a fast reply or any particular hours. You can send us an urgent job and we will pass it to local tradespeople, but for danger to life you should call 999. For a gas leak, call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999.

Emergency pages

• Emergency Boiler Repair: Checks, Costs and What to Do
• Emergency Drain Unblocking: Steps, Costs and Who Pays
• Emergency Electrician: Safety Steps, Costs and Checks
• Emergency Locksmith: Locked Out? Steps, Costs, Checks
• Emergency Plumber: What to Do Now and What It Costs

Need something less urgent? Browse our trade pages instead, or send us your job. Non-urgent work is cheaper, because you avoid the emergency premium.

Before you call anyone

Make the situation safe first. Turn off the water at the stop tap, switch off the power at the mains if it is safe, or leave the house if you smell gas. These steps cost nothing, and they limit the damage while you wait for help.

Next, take photos for your insurer and write down what happened. Many home policies cover sudden damage such as a burst pipe, although they differ. Call your insurer early, since some require approval before repairs.

What counts as an emergency?

Broadly, anything that risks your safety, damages your home or leaves you without heat, power or a way in. A burst pipe, a live electrical fault and a lockout are classic examples. If you are unsure, treat it as urgent and ask the tradesperson, since a short call is cheaper than a bigger problem.

How to avoid overpaying in a hurry

Stress makes people pay more. Ask for the total price before anyone sets out, and ask what the call-out fee covers. Our guide to finding a tradesman you can trust lists the checks, and they take only a few minutes.