When something goes wrong at home, such as waking up to no hot water, experiencing a sudden power cut, or finding a leak under the sink, it can throw your whole day into chaos.
These types of household emergencies happen often, but understanding how to respond can be the difference between a simple fix and a major expense.
Here, we’ll explain what might be behind these problems, what you can safely check on your own, and when it’s time to contact the professionals at 24/7 Best Emergency Services.
No Hot Water? Here’s What Might Be Causing It
Suddenly losing hot water is more than just inconvenient. It can point to several problems within your heating or plumbing system. In UK households, the most common causes include:
Boiler malfunction
Your boiler may be showing an error code or operating with low pressure. Both can prevent it from heating water correctly. If the boiler hasn’t been serviced recently, internal faults may also be to blame.
Pilot light out
If you have a gas boiler, the pilot light may have gone out due to a draught, faulty thermocouple, or gas supply issue. Without it, the boiler cannot produce hot water.
Tripped circuit breaker
Electric immersion heaters rely on power. If a circuit has a fault or the fuse trips, power will shut off automatically. Always check your consumer unit (fuse box).
Faulty thermostat or timer
Thermostats that are incorrectly set or no longer reading the temperature accurately can prevent the boiler from activating. Similarly, a timer that has been reset or programmed incorrectly can disrupt your heating schedule.
👉 Try This First:
Check your boiler pressure, restart the boiler using the reset function, and confirm that the thermostat is set to the correct temperature and time. If none of these restore hot water, it’s time to reach out for help.
📞 Call us if:
- Your boiler is making strange noises
- No hot water returns after resetting
- You see an error code on your boiler display
Experiencing a Power Cut? Stay Safe and Informed
Power outages can affect everything from your lights to your fridge and central heating. In the UK, they can be caused by storms, overloaded circuits, or local maintenance work.
If only your home is affected, the problem likely lies within your system. If your neighbours are also without power, the issue may be with the local grid.
What to check:
- Check your fuse box for switched-off breakers.
- Try the main switch and reset the breakers
- Test sockets and lights in different areas of your home
What not to do:
- Avoid touching exposed or damaged wiring
- Do not try to open or fix complex electrical panels yourself.
👉 Try This First:
Switch off major appliances, wait briefly, then reset the breakers. This can sometimes resolve a temporary overload.
📞 Call us if:
- The power goes off repeatedly
- You smell burning or see sparks
- Your lights flicker constantly or only some areas have power
Found a Leak? Act Quickly to Prevent Damage
Water leaks can lead to serious structural problems if not addressed in time. Even a small drip may signal a bigger issue hidden behind walls or floors.
What to look out for:
- Damp patches on walls or ceilings
- Puddles of water under kitchen or bathroom units
- Mould growth or musty odours
- A sudden increase in your water bill
Where leaks might come from:
- Pipes under sinks, behind walls, or under floors
- Faulty taps or connections
- Boilers or hot water tanks
- Washing machine or dishwasher hoses
👉 Try This First:
Turn off the water supply using the stopcock (usually found under the kitchen sink). Wipe up standing water to prevent floor damage and place a bucket or container under any active drip.
📞 Call us if:
- You cannot find the source of the leak
- The water is coming near electrical appliances
- The leak is getting worse despite your efforts
Other Common Home Emergencies We Handle
At 24/7 Best Emergency Services, we support homes across the UK with rapid response and certified technicians. Some of the most frequent emergency jobs we respond to include:
Blocked drains
Slow water drainage or strong smells could mean there’s a serious blockage. Our drain experts are fully equipped to resolve these issues quickly.
Boiler breakdowns
We manage everything from urgent boiler repairs to complete replacements, ensuring your home stays warm and safe.
Electrical faults and socket repairs
Faulty sockets, flickering lights, or power surges need attention from certified electricians. Our electrical services are available around the clock.
Radiator or heating issues
Uneven heating, cold spots, or no heat at all? We’ll investigate and repair your heating system to restore comfort quickly.
When Should You Call a Professional?
If you’re ever in doubt, it’s safer to reach out. Trying to fix things yourself can sometimes make the issue worse, especially with water, gas, or electrical problems.
Call us if:
- You’re dealing with water near electrical sources
- Your boiler or power supply is showing warning signs
- You need expert help to avoid further damage
- You need reassurance from a fully certified technician.
Available Across the UK
We serve homes in London, Manchester, Liverpool, Birmingham, and many more areas.
✅ 30-minute response
✅ 24/7 emergency coverage
✅ Trusted, certified professionals
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the first thing to check if your hot water stops working?
Begin by checking your boiler pressure and reset settings. Make sure the thermostat is set properly. If nothing changes, call a heating engineer.
Is a leak always an emergency?
Yes. Even a small leak can lead to property damage or mould. Shut off the water supply and contact a plumber immediately.
Can I fix a power cut myself?
You can reset your breakers and unplug appliances, but leave complex wiring or repeated outages to a licensed electrician.
Should I turn appliances back on after a power cut?
Wait until power is stable. If anything seems off, call an electrician to check your system.