When to get professional help
Get urgent help for a sagging ceiling, significant water entry or water around electrical equipment. Move to safety if there are signs of collapse.
What have you noticed?
These clues help explain the problem. They do not confirm its cause.
| What you see | What to report |
|---|---|
| The leak appears during rain | Roof coverings, flashings or drainage may need inspection. |
| The patch is away from the roof edge | Water may have travelled before becoming visible. |
| Water appears even in dry weather | Also report possible plumbing or geyser leakage. |
What you can do now
- Record the room, time and weather when the leak appears. Take photos from inside or from ground level.
- Keep people out from under bulging, cracking or waterlogged ceiling areas. Do not puncture a ceiling yourself.
- Arrange inspection once safe access is possible. Avoid climbing, walking on tiles or applying an improvised patch during a storm.
Details that help us arrange the repair
- Roof type if known, number of storeys and safe access considerations.
- Where the indoor patch is and whether it appears only during rain.
- Recent roofing, solar installation, storms or earlier repair attempts.
If you rent or live in a managed building, notify the owner or property manager and agree the arrangements before authorising work. Take photos only where it is safe; you can share them when CID follows up.
What affects the repair cost?
Ask for the entry point to be identified before cosmetic ceiling work. Clarify whether the quote covers roof repair, waterproofing, damaged ceilings and cleanup.
Questions before you book
Can I just paint over the water stain?
First address the source and let affected materials dry or be assessed. Painting alone will not resolve an active leak.
Is the leak directly above the stain?
Not necessarily. Water can travel before it becomes visible indoors, which is why an inspection matters.
Sources and further reading
These guides cover initial checks and reporting, not a remote diagnosis. If there is immediate danger, move to safety and contact local emergency services. Do not wait for a website enquiry.