Furnace Won’t Start: Quick Troubleshooting + When to Call for Heat Help

 Furnace Won’t Start: Quick Troubleshooting + When to Call for Heat Help Disclosure: General information only. If you smell gas, see sparks, or hear loud unusual sounds, stop and call a licensed HVAC pro . Quick Answer Check thermostat mode, power, and filter first. Confirm the breaker and furnace switch are on. If it still won’t start or short-cycles , call HVAC. Stop the Damage First If you smell gas, leave and call from outside. If you smell burning, shut it off and turn off the breaker. Don’t keep restarting a failing furnace . Fast Checks (Most Common Fixes) Thermostat set to HEAT, temperature raised Replace an extremely dirty filter Check breaker and reset once Check furnace power switch (often near unit) Confirm vents are open and unobstructed Listen: does it try to start then stop? What the Symptoms Usually Mean Starts then stops quickly: safety shutdown , airflow issue , sensor Fan runs but no heat: ignition or flame sensor rel...
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Basement Flooding After Heavy Rain: First Actions + Root Causes

 Basement Flooding After Heavy Rain: First Actions + Root Causes

Disclosure: General info only. Never enter a flooded basement if electricity may be involved. Call a licensed pro when safety is uncertain.

Quick Answer

If power is at risk, don’t go down.
Stop water entry if possible.
Start drying early.
Then identify whether it’s seepage, drain backup, sump failure, or grading.

Stop the Damage First

1) Safety check

If water is near outlets, appliances, or the electrical panel, shut off power from a safe location.
If you can’t, stay out and call for help.

2) Stop the source (as much as possible)

  • Clear downspouts and extend discharge away from the house

  • Check sump pump operation (if installed)

  • Look for a burst pipe (water is constant, not rain-linked)

3) Start drying early

Open windows if safe.
Run fans and a dehumidifier if power is safe.

Common Causes (What Most Homeowners Miss)

How to Tell “Seepage” vs “Backup”

  • Seepage: water appears along walls/floor edges after rain

  • Backup: water rises from a drain and may smell

Call-a-Pro Triggers

  • Sewage smell or dirty water

  • Recurring flooding after every storm

  • Wet drywall, insulation, or carpet for more than a day

  • You suspect foundation movement or major cracks

  • You need to cut concrete, install drains, or add sump systems

Cost Variables (5)

  1. Water type (clean vs sewage)

  2. How long it sat wet (drying time)

  3. Porous materials affected (carpet, drywall)

  4. Sump/drain system complexity

  5. Mold risk and remediation scope

Scam Prevention (5)

  1. Avoid “miracle waterproof paint” as the only solution.

  2. Ask what fixes the cause (gutter/downspout/grading) first.

  3. Get a written plan and timeline for drying + prevention.

  4. Don’t pay in full before you see milestones completed.

  5. Compare at least two solutions, not just two prices.

Related guide: 【Internal Link①】Home Emergency Checklist: Stop Damage in the First 30 Minutes
Related guide: 【Internal Link②】Water Leaking From Ceiling: What To Do Now (Stop Damage Fast)

FAQ

How fast should I dry a wet basement?

Start the same day if possible.
The longer it stays wet, the higher the risk of odor and mold.

Should I use a wet/dry vac?

Only if power is safe and water is not sewage.
Never use electrical tools in standing water.


Location: United States

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