Not sure who to call? Match the problem to the right trade
Start with what you can see, hear or smell, not with the trade. Water from a pipe or fixture is a plumber; water from above in the rain is a roofer; water already in walls and floors needs drying. Use the table below to match the symptom, and call 833-877-1717 if you want help finding an independent provider.
RepairNowUSA editorial review · Last substantively reviewed October 13, 2026 · Review standards
Call 911 or a utility first
- Gas or rotten-egg smell, or a CO alarm: leave and call 911 or the gas utility from outside.
- Smoke, flames, or a strong burning smell you cannot find: leave and call 911.
- Downed power lines: stay well away and call the utility.
- Structural collapse or someone trapped: call 911.
Water problems
- Water spraying or leaking from a pipe, fixture, toilet or water heater: plumber. Shut off the nearest valve first.
- Water coming from above during rain: roofer. If it is not raining, think plumbing or an AC drain above.
- Drains backing up, sewage in a tub or floor drain: plumber or sewer and drain provider, plus cleanup.
- Water already soaked into floors, walls or ceilings: water damage restoration for drying, after the source is stopped.
- Water in the basement during storms: sump pump repair, drainage, or water removal.
Heating, cooling and air
- No heat, no cooling, strange noises, ice on lines, water from the indoor unit: HVAC technician.
- Thermostat blank: check batteries and the breaker first; then HVAC.
- Musty smell, visible mold: find the moisture source first (plumber, roofer or HVAC), then mold remediation.
Electrical
- Sparking, warm or discolored outlets, burning smell traced to one device, breakers that keep tripping, partial power: electrician.
- Whole street dark: utility.
- Appliance not working but the outlet is fine: appliance repair.
Openings, doors and security
- Broken window or glass door: glass repair; board-up if it cannot be fixed today.
- Garage door stuck open, off track, broken spring: garage door technician. Do not touch springs or cables; they are under high tension.
- Locked out, broken lock: locksmith.
- Storm damage to roof, siding or windows: roofer or exterior contractor, often after tarping or board-up.
When more than one trade is needed
Many emergencies need two or three providers in order. A burst pipe needs a plumber and then water damage drying, and later drywall repair. A roof leak needs a roofer, drying and ceiling repair. Fix the source first, then dry, then rebuild.
When you call 833-877-1717, describe what you see and RepairNowUSA can help work out which kind of provider fits, then look for a participating independent provider in your area.
How RepairNowUSA can help
Call 833-877-1717 and describe what is happening and the property ZIP code. RepairNowUSA looks for a participating independent provider for that kind of work in your area and connects you if one is available. The provider confirms timing, scope and price with you and does the work. Availability and response times vary and are not guaranteed.
Call 833-877-1717Common questions
Who do I call for water coming through the ceiling?
If it is raining, likely a roofer. If not, likely a plumber, or an HVAC technician if an attic air handler or AC drain is above. Water damage restoration handles drying afterward.
Do I call a plumber or a restoration company first?
Stop the water first, which usually means a plumber for the source. Call a water damage provider the same day to start drying, especially if water reached walls, floors or ceilings.
What if I call the wrong trade?
A provider who arrives and finds it is outside their work can usually tell you what kind of provider you need. Describing the symptoms clearly when you call reduces that risk.
Can RepairNowUSA help me figure out which provider I need?
Yes. Describe what you see when you call, and RepairNowUSA can help identify the kind of provider and look for one in your area.
Can I call any time?
Yes. You can call 833-877-1717 at any time, including nights, weekends and holidays. Whether an independent provider can come out right away depends on your ZIP code, the time and provider capacity, so availability is not guaranteed.
Authoritative references
These public sources give general safety context. They do not replace an on-site evaluation, and RepairNowUSA does not perform the work.