What Qualifies as an Emergency?

One of the most common emergencies in Calgary is a furnace failure during extreme cold. When temperatures drop to -30°C and your home’s temperature starts falling below 14°C, you’re in emergency territory.

What to Do:

• • Use temporary heating solutions like electric heaters or a fireplace to maintain warmth.
  • Remember, as your home cools, it loses heat more slowly, so you don’t need to panic if the furnace fails overnight.
  • Call a professional HVAC technician as soon as possible, but avoid emergency call-outs unless absolutely necessary to reduce repair costs.

At Wiehler Mechanical, we prioritize your safety and comfort, offering prompt furnace repairs to restore heat to your home.

Another situation that qualifies as an emergency is a catastrophic water leak. Whether it’s a burst pipe, a malfunctioning toilet, or a sink left running, flooding can cause significant damage to your home.

What to Do:

• • Locate your water main shut-off valve immediately and turn off the water supply to stop the flow.

  • Once the water is stopped, the emergency is over, and you can focus on damage control and repairs.

Knowing where your water main shut-off valve is located is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your home. If you’re unsure, ask a plumbing professional to show you during your next maintenance visit.

Frozen pipes are a common issue during Calgary’s harsh winters. While they may not always qualify as an emergency, they can lead to burst pipes if not addressed promptly.

• What to Do:

  • If you notice reduced water flow or no water at all, check for frozen pipes.

  • Use a hairdryer or heating pad to gently thaw the pipes, but avoid open flames.

  • If the pipe has already burst, turn off the water supply and call a plumber immediately.

Not every plumbing or HVAC issue requires immediate attention. For example:

• A slow-draining sink or minor leak can often wait until regular business hours.

• A furnace failure during mild weather may not be an emergency if your home remains at a comfortable temperature.

Understanding the difference between an emergency and a non-urgent issue can help you avoid unnecessary stress and costs.

Being prepared can make all the difference when an emergency strikes. Here are some tips:

• Know Your Water Main Shut-Off Valve: Ensure every member of your household knows its location and how to operate it.

• Have Temporary Heating Solutions: Keep electric heaters or a fireplace ready for use during furnace failures.

• Schedule Regular Maintenance: Prevent emergencies by having your HVAC and plumbing systems inspected and maintained regularly.

At Wiehler Mechanical, we offer maintenance plans to keep your systems running smoothly and reduce the risk of emergencies.