Emergency Home Repairs

1. Shut off the main water valve.
2. Cut power to affected rooms at the breaker.
3. Photo and video everything before cleanup.
4. Call a 24-hour water-mitigation company (most insurers have a preferred network).
5. Open a claim within 72 hours — late claims are commonly denied.

Catch water in buckets, move belongings, and tarp the roof only if it's safe. Most insurers cover emergency tarping. Don't sign an "assignment of benefits" with a storm-chaser at the door — it transfers your insurance claim to them.

Replace the filter and check the breaker first. If still down, an HVAC emergency call runs $150–$400 after hours. In freezing conditions, drip faucets to prevent burst pipes while you wait.

Cut power at the main breaker. Do not try to reset a panel that smells hot. A licensed electrician emergency call is $200–$600. Federal Pacific and Zinsco panels are known failure points — replace, don't repair.

Avoid contact (it's classified as black water). Stop using all drains. Call a plumber and a remediation company. Most standard policies do not cover sewer backup — a separate $50–$150/year endorsement does.