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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Water Leaking From Ceiling: What To Do Now (Stop Damage Fast)

 Water Leaking From Ceiling: What To Do Now (Stop Damage Fast)

Disclosure: General information only. If water is near electrical fixtures or ceilings are sagging, stop and call a licensed pro.

Quick Answer

Turn off water if you can.
Protect electrical areas.
Catch the drip and relieve ceiling pressure safely.
Document damage, then find the source above the leak.

Stop the Damage First (0–10 Minutes)

1) Protect electricity

If water is near lights, outlets, or a ceiling fan, shut off that circuit at the breaker.
If you’re unsure, turn off the main breaker.

2) Catch water and protect floors

Put a bucket under the drip.
Lay towels. Move rugs and valuables.

3) Reduce ceiling collapse risk (only if safe)

If the ceiling is bulging with water, you may need to release pressure.
Use a small screwdriver to poke a tiny hole at the lowest point.
Hold the bucket underneath.
Stop immediately if you see electrical wiring or heavy cracking.

Find the Source (Most Common Causes)

  • Bathroom overflow or a loose toilet seal

  • Tub/shower plumbing leak

  • Dishwasher or washing machine leak

  • HVAC drain line clog or attic unit overflow

  • Roof leak (after rain)

  • Pipe leak in ceiling cavity

What To Check Next (Simple, High-Value Checks)

  • Did anyone use a shower, dishwasher, or washer recently?

  • Is the leak worse when water runs upstairs?

  • Did it rain or snow recently?

  • Is the AC running and the leak near a vent line?

Call-a-Pro Triggers (Do Not Wait)

  • Ceiling is sagging, cracking, or dropping debris

  • Water is near electrical fixtures

  • Leak continues after you shut off water

  • You suspect sewage (smell or discoloration)

  • Wet insulation or mold smell appears within days

Cost Variables (5 Things That Change the Price)

  1. Leak source type (roof vs pipe vs appliance)

  2. Access (attic vs finished ceiling)

  3. Drying needs (fans, dehumidifiers, moisture checks)

  4. Material repairs (drywall, paint, insulation)

  5. Hidden mold risk (time wet + porous materials)

Scam Prevention (5 Rules)

  1. Don’t approve “full rebuild” before leak source is proven.

  2. Get moisture readings or photo evidence of damage areas.

  3. Avoid cash-only, same-day pressure tactics.

  4. Require a written scope: dry, remove, replace, paint.

  5. Compare at least two written estimates for restoration work.

Related guide: 【Internal Link①】Home Emergency Checklist: Stop Damage in the First 30 Minutes
Related guide: 【Internal Link②】Home Repair Cost Guide: Repair vs Replace (What Really Changes the Price)

FAQ

Should I cut out wet drywall immediately?

If the leak is active, stop the leak first.
Wet drywall that stays wet can become a mold risk.

Can I just paint over the stain?

Not if moisture remains.
Stains come back when the area isn’t fully dried.

Location: United States

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