Help library
Common problems we see, in plain English.
Short, practical answers to the questions we hear most often on the dispatch line. Written by Bridgepoint's licensed plumbers, electricians, and HVAC techs.
Field guides
Browse by topic.
Each article is short on purpose. We tell you what we look for, what you can check yourself, and when to call dispatch.
- Plumbing
How to know when your sump pump needs replacing
Sump pumps quietly do the most important job in your basement. when they fail, you usually find out the hard way. Here is what to watch for.
Read the field guide - HVAC
Why is my furnace short-cycling?
Short-cycling is when your furnace turns on and off faster than it should. it almost always points to one of three things, and ignoring it stresses the unit and your gas bill.
Read the field guide - Emergency
When to call an emergency plumber (and when it can wait)
Not every leak is an emergency. Some really are. Here is the framework Bridgepoint dispatchers use to triage your call.
Read the field guide - Plumbing
Signs your water heater is on its last leg
Water heaters fail in patterns. Knowing which pattern your unit is showing tells you whether you have a week of warning or thirty seconds.
Read the field guide - HVAC
Common AC problems in a Toronto summer
Toronto summers are short and brutal. when an AC fails on a 31C afternoon, the call queue triples. Here are the three issues we see most often.
Read the field guide - Plumbing
Burst pipe? Five steps to take in the first 10 minutes
A burst pipe inside the wall or ceiling can cost thousands every minute. Here is the field-guide we walk callers through while a tech is en route.
Read the field guide - Electrical
Why does my breaker keep tripping?
A breaker doing its job is a good thing. one that trips repeatedly is asking for help. Here is what is usually causing it.
Read the field guide - Drain & Sewer
Sewer backup warning signs (and what to do)
A sewer backup rarely shows up out of nowhere. There are usually 3-4 weeks of warnings if you know what to look for.
Read the field guide - Restoration
Water damage: the first 24 hours decide everything
What you do in the first 24 hours after a water loss decides whether you have a $3,000 fix or a $30,000 rebuild. Speed and documentation matter most.
Read the field guide - Heating
No heat? Troubleshooting before you call
Before you wait for a tech, run through these. Half of no-heat calls get resolved without a service visit when callers check these first.
Read the field guide
Get in touch
Still stuck? Talk to Bridgepoint dispatch.
Our dispatchers triage common issues in under three minutes. Tell us the address, the trade, and a one-line description, and we will route the right tech.