Home emergencies: what to do first and what to say on the phone

What are the most common emergencies at home?

In practice, most emergency requests fall into three areas: water, electricity and access to the property. A leaking pipe, a toilet cistern that will not stop running, a short circuit, an overheating socket or a door that no longer closes properly are typical examples.

• a cracked pipe or leaking connection
• water ingress in the bathroom, kitchen or balcony
• a socket, switch or circuit breaker showing signs of overheating
• blocked drains at risk of backing up
• minor faults that completely prevent use of the bathroom or kitchen

What to do in the first 10 minutes

If the problem involves water, first close the local shut-off valve or, if that is not possible, the main supply for the flat or house. If electricity is involved, switch off the supply at the main circuit breaker before touching anything.

Do not try to dismantle electrical components, disconnect fittings without the right tools or push water towards other areas. The aim is to stabilise the situation, not to repair a more complex fault yourself.

What information helps when you call

A useful call does not require the full history of the flat, but a quick explanation of the details needed for triage. Clearly state the type of problem, the area, whether you have shut off the water or electricity and whether the damage could spread.

• the town and area in București or Ilfov
• the type of problem: water, electrical, drain, door or another emergency
• whether the situation is active at that moment
• whether you have photographs or video on WhatsApp
• the time window in which you can answer or receive a visit

When to seek immediate clarification

Not every problem should be treated as a major emergency, but many situations warrant at least a quick clarification by phone. If you are unsure whether it is urgent or merely inconvenient, it is better to ask directly and make an informed decision.

This is one of the situations in which a single point of contact saves you from calling three or four different people. You explain the problem once and then receive clear guidance on whether it requires an emergency visit, a scheduled appointment or another type of service.

For organised assistance, you can make a request directly through our pages for electrical services in București and Ilfov, plumbing services or home repairs, depending on the problem you have identified.