Keep everyone away from water near electrical fittings or a sagging ceiling. From a safe, dry position, move belongings, contain drips and photograph the damage. Do not climb onto the roof or enter the roof space; arrange a prompt professional inspection.
The cheapest safe response is to limit damage from a dry, secure position and have the true cause assessed. A surface patch or roof-access repair is not a safe DIY shortcut and may hide the fault or worsen water entry.
Limit Water Damage Safely
- Keep people and pets out if the ceiling is swollen, sagging, cracked or shedding material. Do not stand beneath or puncture a bulge, as waterlogged ceiling lining may collapse.
- Move furniture, electronics and valuables without touching wet electrical equipment or walking beneath damaged plasterboard.
- Place a stable bucket beneath drips and protect the floor with towels or waterproof covering without creating a slip hazard.
- Photograph the leak from a safe position. Note when it began, recent weather and whether the flow is changing.
- Observe stains, damaged gutters or missing roofing only from indoors or ground level. Water can travel along building materials, so the indoor drip may not be directly below the entry point. A professional can trace the true source of the recurring roof leak.
Electrical and Ceiling Danger
Water near lights, switches, wiring, appliances or the switchboard is an immediate electrical hazard. A swollen, sagging or cracking ceiling may collapse.
Do not touch wet fittings, switches or appliances, and never stand in water. Turn off power at the main switch only if both the switchboard and the route to it are completely dry and safely accessible. Otherwise, leave the area and contact a licensed electrician or emergency service. Call Triple Zero (000) if life is at risk.
Arrange an Inspection
Have the leaking roof inspected promptly, even if the dripping stops. Concealed materials may remain wet and the opening may still admit water.
Do not access a wet, storm-damaged or wind-exposed roof, or enter an unsafe roof space. Any temporary protection requiring roof access should be installed by an appropriately qualified professional when conditions are safe.
In NSW, the appropriate contractor depends on the roof and work required. Roof plumbing generally covers metal roofing, flashings, gutters and downpipes; tiled roofs may require a suitably licensed roofing or building contractor. Check the contractor’s licence and permitted work through NSW Fair Trading.
The final price depends on the cause, scope, location, access, materials, labour, current market conditions and any further defects found. Read how roof leak repairs are priced, then compare quotes by diagnosis and scope rather than price alone.
For emergency help with storm or flood damage, call NSW SES on 132 500. Call 000 for an immediate threat to life. For an appropriate licensed assessment, contact our licensed Sydney roof plumbers.