Burst pipes and central heating breakdowns are the most common domestic household emergencies, according to a new survey.
Aon Home Assistance's (AHA) annual report showed no power to electrical sockets and leaking roofs were also frequent problems.
The survey analysed more than a million calls taken over the last 12 months to AHA's home assistance helpline. Other common occurrences included tiles being blown from the roof, people being locked out, blocked toilets and broken windows. Overflowing water tanks and no hot water were also reported.
AHA managing director, Nick Haycock, said: "Particularly with the onset of winter, it is important that homeowners ensure their central heating systems are regularly serviced and that they have taken appropriate measures to protect against burst pipes.
"Emergencies do occur and invariably they happen at the weekend or in the middle of the night when the chances of getting a tradesman in to fix the problem will prove difficult and very expensive."
