Appliance Emergency Checklist: What to Do When Something Breaks at Night

Appliance emergencies do not wait for business hours. A leak, a burning smell, or a fridge that stops can happen at any time. The first few minutes matter, and knowing your shutoffs makes a big difference.

Save this page, and remember that we offer emergency and same-day appliance repair near you in Palo Alto. You can call or send a request 24 hours a day.

Know your shutoffs before you need them

• Water: find the shutoff valve behind the washer, under the sink, or at the main line.
• Power: find your breaker panel and label the kitchen and laundry breakers.
• Gas: know where the appliance valve and the main meter shutoff are. Ask your gas company how to shut off the meter safely.

Take a photo of each valve and breaker and save it on your phone.

If you smell gas

If water is leaking

1. Turn off the water valve to the appliance or the main valve.
2. Unplug the appliance if the outlet is dry and safe to reach. If the area is wet, switch off the breaker instead.
3. Use towels and buckets to control the spread.
4. Take photos for your records and your insurance.
5. Call for emergency repair.

If you smell burning or see sparks

1. Turn off the appliance, and switch off its breaker if you can do so safely.
2. Unplug it only if the cord and outlet look normal and dry.
3. Open a window if the smell is strong.
4. If you see flames or smoke, leave and call 911.
5. Do not use the appliance again until a technician checks it.

If your fridge or freezer stops

• Keep the doors closed. A fridge holds food for about 4 hours, a full freezer for about 48 hours, and a half-full freezer for about 24 hours.
• Check the plug and the breaker.
• Move milk, meat, and medicine to a cooler with ice if the wait is long.
• Write down the time the problem started.

Read the full guide on how long food stays safe without power, and our page on same-day appliance repair for how we plan urgent visits.

Build a simple appliance emergency kit

• A flashlight with fresh batteries
• A few old towels and a small bucket
• A small cooler and a way to make ice
• An appliance thermometer
• A list of key numbers, including your gas utility and our number
• Photos of your shutoff valves and breakers

Keep the kit in one place, like a hall closet, and tell everyone in the house where it is.

After the emergency: next steps

1. Take photos of any damage for your records.
2. Contact your insurance company if there was water damage or loss.
3. Get a written estimate for the repair.
4. Ask the technician what caused the problem, and how to prevent it.
5. Add a reminder to check hoses, vents, or filters.

What to tell the technician

• The appliance, brand, and model number if you have it
• What happened, and when it started
• Any smell, sound, or error code
• Your address and how to reach you
• Whether food or property is at risk

Clear details help us plan the parts and the timing. You can also read about how to find your model in our guide on finding your appliance model number.

Quick questions