An Urgent Appliance Problem: What to Do First

Before booking a repair, deal with the immediate problem: a suspected gas leak, smoke, water near electricity, or food warming in a refrigerator. Emergency services and the gas utility handle hazards that cannot wait for an appliance appointment.

Gas odor or suspected gas leak

Leave the area immediately. Once you are safely away, call 911 and your gas utility. Do not operate electrical switches or use a phone in the affected area. Follow the utility’s instructions before returning or using the appliance.

Southwest Gas explains how to report a suspected leak.

Smoke, fire, or water near electricity

Keep people away from the hazard. For fire or an immediate threat, leave and call emergency services. Do not reach across standing water to unplug an appliance. A repair company can address the appliance after the immediate hazard has been handled.

A refrigerator or freezer is warming

Limit door opening and check an appliance thermometer if one is available. Protect perishable food rather than waiting for a repair appointment to decide whether it is safe. The FDA recommends refrigerator temperatures at or below 40°F and freezer temperatures at or below 0°F.

Food safety depends on time and temperature. Use the FDA’s food-safety guidance for decisions about food after a loss of cooling; do not rely on smell alone.

A washer or dishwasher is leaking

Stop using it. If you can safely reach its water shutoff without entering a hazardous area, shut off that supply. Avoid another test cycle that could release more water. Note where the leak began and what the machine was doing.

Requesting an urgent repair

Describe the appliance, model, symptoms, location, and any steps already taken. Call Axus to check current appointment availability. An urgent request does not guarantee a same-day appointment or completion; diagnosis and parts availability may affect the timing.