Blocked toilet or sink: what to try first
Stop the flow, use a plunger, and know when to call a plumber.
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Locked out of your house
Stay calm, try the cheap options first and avoid the locksmith scams.
Is anyone in danger? (1)
- Child, pet, or someone at risk inside, or food on the stove? Call the emergency number nowFire or police can get in fast. 911 US, 112 India and EU, 999 UK.
Try these first (4)
- Check every door and ground-floor window you can reach safely
- Call anyone who has a key: family, flatmate, neighbour
- Rent? Call your landlord or building manager
- In a building, ask the concierge or security officeThey may need to see ID.
Do not (3)
- Do not break a window as a first stepIt often costs more than a locksmith, and glass can hurt you.
- Do not climb to upper floors
- Do not force a lock with tools you don't know how to use
Calling a locksmith (7)
- Find a local one with a real address, and read a few reviews
- Get a total price on the phone, including call-out and night charges
- Ask for the name of the person coming
- Confirm they will try to open the lock without drilling it firstDrilling straight away is a known way to overcharge.
- Be ready to show ID or a bill with your address
- Get a written receipt
- Check your home or car insurance, which may cover it
So it does not happen again (6)
- Leave a spare key with someone you trust
- Do not hide it under a mat or pot
- Consider a key safe with a code, set out of view
- Save a locksmith's number on your phone
- Do the keys, phone, wallet check before you close the door
- Lost keys rather than locked in? Change the lock if your address was on them
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