You smell gas
Stop using the appliance, avoid ignition sources, ventilate if you can, and get qualified help. Don't wait for a scheduled visit.
Appliance Safety: When to Stop Using It
Calm, practical stop-use guidance for gas odors, sparking, burning smells, active water leaks, and cracked glass cooktops across every appliance we service.
When to Stop Using an Appliance
Safety before convenience. These are calm, practical stop-use signals — if you see one, turn the appliance off and call for qualified help before running it again.
Sparking or electrical shock
Unplug the appliance or shut off its breaker if it's safe to reach, and stop using it until it's inspected.
Burning smell from a dryer
A clogged lint path is a factor in many home dryer fires. Clean the lint screen and exterior vent flap, and stop use if the smell continues.
Active water leak
Shut off the supply valves to a leaking washer or dishwasher. A small leak can turn into a flooring or cabinet problem.
Cracked glass cooktop
Stop using a cracked glass cooktop until it's checked, to avoid electrical and cut hazards.
Overheating or won't shut off
Turn off an appliance that runs hot and never cycles off, then schedule it for diagnosis.
Food safety during a refrigerator failure or power loss: USDA guidance says keep refrigerators at 40°F or below and freezers at 0°F. During an outage, an unopened refrigerator holds a safe temperature for about 4 hours, a full freezer for about 48 hours, and a half-full freezer for about 24 hours. When cooling is failing, act before food is at risk.
What should I do first if something seems unsafe?
Stop using the appliance. If you smell gas or see sparking, address the immediate hazard first and get qualified help. Then call us to schedule a diagnosis.