What Counts as a Maintenance Emergency?

When Should You Call for Emergency Maintenance?

Discovering a maintenance issue in your home can be stressful, especially if it happens after normal business hours. While some problems need immediate attention, others can safely wait until the next business day.

Knowing the difference helps ensure that true emergencies receive immediate attention while allowing our maintenance team to prioritize repairs efficiently.

If you're ever unsure, don't hesitate to contact us. We'd rather answer your questions than have a small problem turn into a bigger one.

What Is Considered a Maintenance Emergency?

A maintenance emergency is any issue that poses an immediate risk to your safety, your health, or could cause significant damage to the property if not addressed quickly.

Common maintenance emergencies include:

No Heat During Cold Weather

During Pittsburgh winters, a loss of heat can quickly become a safety concern.

Call emergency maintenance if:

• Your heating system stops working during cold temperatures.
• The thermostat is functioning correctly, but your home won't heat.

Major Water Leaks or Burst Pipes

Water can cause extensive damage in a short amount of time.

Examples include:

• Burst pipes
• Water pouring from ceilings
• Flooding inside the home
• Overflowing plumbing that cannot be stopped

If possible, shut off the water supply before calling.

Sewer Backup

If sewage is backing up into sinks, tubs, or toilets, contact emergency maintenance immediately.

This presents both a health hazard and a risk of property damage.

Complete Loss of Electricity

If your unit has lost power after checking the breaker panel and confirming it's not a neighborhood outage, contact emergency maintenance.

If the entire neighborhood is without power, report the outage to your utility provider first.

Gas Odor

If you smell natural gas:

• Leave the property immediately.
• Do not turn lights or electronics on or off.
• Contact your gas utility company from a safe location.
• Once the situation is safe, notify your property manager.

Your safety always comes first.

No Running Water

If your home has completely lost its water supply and the issue isn't due to a city-wide outage, contact emergency maintenance.

What Is Not Usually an Emergency?

Many maintenance issues are inconvenient but can safely wait until normal business hours.

Examples include:

• Dripping faucets
• Running toilets
• Slow drains
• A single appliance not working
• Loose cabinet doors
• Minor drywall damage
• Small cosmetic issues
• One electrical outlet not working
• Broken blinds
• A clogged sink (if another sink is available)

These issues should be submitted through your regular maintenance request process.

Before You Submit a Maintenance Request

Taking a few simple steps may solve the issue quickly.

Try These First

• Reset a tripped breaker.
• Replace thermostat batteries.
• Check your GFCI outlets if an outlet stops working.
• Ensure air filters aren't excessively dirty.
• Confirm that circuit breakers haven't tripped.

If the issue continues, submit a maintenance request.

How to Help Us Respond Faster

When submitting a maintenance request, include as much information as possible.

Helpful information includes:

• What happened?
• When did it start?
• Is the issue getting worse?
• Are there any leaks or safety concerns?
• Include clear photos or videos whenever possible.

The more details you provide, the faster our maintenance team can diagnose the issue and arrive prepared with the right tools and materials.

Preventing Maintenance Problems

Many repairs can be avoided with a little preventative care.

Remember to:

• Change HVAC filters regularly (if required by your lease).
• Never pour grease down kitchen drains.
• Report small leaks before they become major problems.
• Keep exterior doors and windows closed during freezing temperatures.
• Avoid flushing wipes, paper towels, or other non-flushable items.

Preventative maintenance helps keep your home comfortable and reduces the likelihood of larger repairs.

The Bottom Line

Not every maintenance issue requires an emergency call, but knowing when to act can help protect both your home and your safety.

If a repair threatens your health, safety, or could cause significant property damage, contact emergency maintenance immediately. For non-urgent issues, submit a standard maintenance request, and our team will address it as quickly as possible.

Need to Submit a Maintenance Request?

At Riva Ridge Property Management, we're committed to keeping your home safe, comfortable, and well-maintained. Whether it's an emergency repair or a routine maintenance request, our team is here to help.

If you're experiencing a maintenance issue, submit a work order through your resident portal or contact your property manager for assistance.