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Emergencies

Christian Action's 24 hour Repairs line: 01992 765 990

(Out of office hours: please use for emergencies only)

 

In an emergency, the following actions may help to reduce any damage.

It is important that you identify where your water stopcock, gas stopcock and mains electricity switch are when you move into your home so that you do not have to waste time searching for them. If you cannot find the stopcocks or mains switch (and cannot find someone to help you), please contact the repairs team for advice.

Turn all stopcocks periodically to make sure that they do not become stuck

Fire

If there is a fire, try to safely get everyone out of the building immediately and dial 999. Do not waste valuable time trying to save any personal belongings.

Frozen pipes

In severe winter weather, water can freeze in your pipes and can cause damage by expanding until the pipe can no longer expand to contain it. If your pipes freeze, you must defrost them slowly and carefully.

  • Firstly, always turn off the water supply to your home.
  • Do not use a blow lamp, heat gun or any other naked flame.
  • Thaw along the pipe from the end nearest the tap.
  • Do not leave taps on. Water may not flush away down the plughole if the pipes below are frozen.
  • If a pipe bursts after it has frozen, turn off the water supply to your home immediately and contact our repairs team straight away.

Water Leaks

If you have a leak or a burst pipe you should turn off the water at the mains stopcock and report the matter immediately to our repairs team. Please ensure that you know where your stopckock is and turn it periodically to make sure that it does not become stuck.

If you see a leak outside your home (for example, on the pavement or road), you can call a Freephone leakline on:-

0800 714 614 (Thames Water area only)

0845 782 3333 (Three Valleys Water area only)

For other areas, please see your water rates bill for the appropriate emergency phone number.

Gas Leaks

If you smell gas, turn off the gas supply at the mains next to the gas meter and open all windows. Then call Transco on 0800 111 999 immediately. This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

You should also:

  • Not smoke or strike matches
  • Not turn electrical switches or light switches on or off
  • Put out any naked flames (for example, on a gas cooker)
  • Keep people away from the affected area.

If the problem relates to one of our gas appliances or our pipework, please contact our repairs team for help. If the emergency happens outside normal office hours, phone our repairs team on 01992 765 990.

Electrical Faults

If you have an electrical fault that you think might be dangerous, switch off the electricity at the mains. The switch will be next to the fuse box or next to the meter. Then call our repairs team for help.

If your electricity supply fails completely and your payment for your supply are up to date, you should call your electricity supplier.