Southway Housing Trust

You are here: Home > At your service > Repairs & maintenance > Emergency repairs: what is an emergency?

When you ask for a repair, we give the work a deadline it must be done by - depending on how urgently it's needed.

We class jobs that are most urgent as 'emergency repairs'.

See other pages

Our deadline for coming to these repairs is three hours. Here's a list of emergency repairs . . .

Heating/Water

No heating or hot water between October 1st and March 31st only - except in circumstances below
No heating or hot water any time of the year if you have a vulnerable person in your home - a young baby, or someone who is elderly or disabled
Heating system giving off fumes - call Transco on 0800 111 999
No cold water (but check with neighbours to see if it affects other homes)

Burst, major leak, water penetration

A burst or leak should at least fill a household bucket overnight. Turn off the water
Any burst, leak or water penetration that is affecting electrics. Turn off electricity

Toilet

Blocked toilet - but only if there isn't another toilet in your home
Toilet that won't flush - but only if it is the only toilet and you are unable to flush it with a bucket of water as a temporary solution

Bath, shower, washbasin

Bath blocked or no water from taps - but only if someone in the home has a medical condition that makes the bath essential
Shower broken - but only if someone in the home has a medical condition that makes the shower essential. We may be unable to fix a shower at an emergency call-out if it needs special parts
Washbasin blocked or no water from taps - but only if someone in the home has a medical condition that makes the basin essential

Kitchen sink

Kitchen sink blocked or no water in the taps - but only if someone in the home has a medical condition that makes the sink essential

Electrics

Complete power failure - but if nearby homes are affected contact the electricity company instead.
Power off in part of the home - but only if it is a danger to health or safety because it's needed for essential equipment like a stair lift or nebuliser
Electrical fitting smoking or scorching - (also turn off the electricity).
Fire alarm in block of flats broken

Drains and waste

Door (outside)

Lock broken - but only if it makes your home insecure. You may have to pay for this repair
Door broken - but only if it makes your home insecure. You may have to pay for this repair

Window