Emergency Home Repairs in Canada: Who to Call and What to Do First

A home emergency doesn't give you time to research — it demands immediate action. This guide gives you a clear, step-by-step response plan for the most common home emergencies in Canada, so you're prepared before disaster strikes.

Burst Pipe or Major Plumbing Leak

Do This First:

1. Shut off the main water supply — the main shutoff valve is usually located where the water line enters your home (basement, utility room, or crawlspace). Turn it clockwise until it stops.
2. Open the lowest tap in the house to drain remaining water from the pipes
3. If water has reached electrical outlets or the electrical panel, do not enter the area — shut off power at the breaker panel first
4. Move valuables away from the water
5. Call an emergency plumber

Know your shutoff valve location BEFORE an emergency. Walk through your home now and find it.

Gas Smell or Suspected Gas Leak

Do This First:

1. Do not turn any electrical switches on or off — even a light switch can spark an explosion
2. Do not use your phone inside the home
3. Leave immediately — take everyone with you
4. Leave the door open as you exit
5. From outside or a neighbour's home, call your gas utility's 24/7 emergency line:
   • ATCO (AB): 1-800-511-3447
   • Enbridge (ON): 1-866-763-5427
   • FortisBC: 1-800-663-9911
   • Énergir (QC): 1-800-361-8003
6. Do not re-enter until the utility has cleared the property
7. Call a licensed gas fitter (plumber or HVAC tech with gas ticket) to locate and repair the source

Electrical Emergency (Sparks, Burning Smell, Outlets Not Working)

Do This First:

1. If you smell burning or see sparks, shut off the relevant circuit breaker — or the main breaker if you're not sure which circuit is involved
2. Never use water on an electrical fire — use a Class C (dry chemical or CO₂) fire extinguisher
3. If there's active fire, get everyone out and call 911 first
4. Do not restore power until a licensed electrician has inspected the issue

A burning plastic smell with no visible fire source is often a sign of an overloaded circuit or failing connection in the wall — treat it seriously and call an emergency electrician.

Roof Damage (Storm Damage, Missing Shingles)

Do This First:

1. Do not go on the roof yourself — especially in wet or icy conditions
2. If water is entering, place plastic sheeting or garbage bags under the leak point and use buckets
3. Document all damage with photos and video immediately for your insurance claim
4. Call your home insurer to open a claim — many roof damage situations are covered
5. Call a roofing contractor for emergency tarping (most offer this service 24/7 after major storms)

Temporary tarping is critical — even a small opening can allow hundreds of litres of water into your home during a rainstorm.

Basement Flooding

Do This First:

1. Do not enter a flooded basement if there's any risk of electrical contact — call your utility to disconnect power first
2. If the flooding is from a backed-up drain, call a plumber to clear it immediately
3. If flooding is from ground water, call a water damage restoration company — they have the equipment to extract water and dry the space
4. Document everything for insurance before removing any items
5. Begin drying within 24–48 hours to prevent mold — mold can begin growing in as little as 24 hours

Furnace Failure in Winter

Do This First:

1. Check your thermostat — ensure it's set to heat and the temperature is above room temperature
2. Check if the furnace power switch is on (looks like a light switch, usually near the furnace)
3. Check the furnace filter — a completely clogged filter can trigger a safety shutoff
4. Check your circuit breaker panel for a tripped furnace breaker
5. If none of these resolve it, call an emergency HVAC technician

In extreme cold (-20°C or below), unheated pipes can freeze and burst within a few hours. If you cannot get your furnace running quickly, consider opening cabinet doors under sinks and letting a small trickle of water run overnight while you wait for the technician.

Build Your Emergency Contractor List Now

The worst time to find an emergency contractor is during the emergency. Use Local Skilled Trades to identify 24/7 emergency plumbers, electricians, and HVAC technicians in your area now — save their numbers in your phone before you need them.