Who do you call for a water stain on the ceiling

I'm not sure who to ring about a water stain on ceiling? What would you do?

Asked by Pete on 12th Sep 2025
Expert Trade Answers
"First response, you will need a plumber to come and take a look/ inspection, should the stain have appeared suddenly- obviously a leaking pipe, connector.
Take the advice from inspection, any experienced plumber will likely know how to patch repair afterwards. Hope that helps."
Answered on 12th Sep 2025 - Member since May 2025 - report
"A decorator should be able to stain block the area, and repaint."
Answered on 12th Sep 2025 - Member since Mar 2023 - report
"If you have a water stain on your ceiling:

Find the source – check the roof, pipes, bathroom, or kitchen above.

Who to call –

Plumber – if it’s a pipe or plumbing issue

Roofer – if it appears after rain

Handyman – if you’re not sure where it’s coming from or need the ceiling repaired afterward

Temporary fix – put a bucket under the stain and don’t paint over it until the leak is fixed."
Answered on 12th Sep 2025 - Member since Apr 2025 - report
"You need to call a plumber/maintenance to trace the leak and identifynthe cause.
Once it's fixed then a decorator to make it good"
Answered on 12th Sep 2025 - Member since Dec 2024 - report
"### For Rented Properties
If you see a water stain on your ceiling in a rented property, your first and most important call is to your **landlord** or **property manager**. They are responsible for maintaining the structure of the property, including the roof, walls, and plumbing, and must carry out the necessary repairs.

* **Document the damage:** Take photos and videos of the water stain and any other damage it has caused.
* **Report it in writing:** Notify your landlord immediately, preferably in writing (email or text), to create a record of your communication.
* **Prevent further damage:** Place a bucket under any active leaks and move any valuables away from the area.

If the leak is caused by a neighbor's flat, your landlord is still typically responsible for fixing the damage in your home. They will then coordinate with the other tenant or their landlord to resolve the issue. If your landlord fails to act within a reasonable timeframe, you can contact the **environmental health department at your local council**.

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### For Owned Properties
For an owned property, you are responsible for the repairs. The professional you call depends on the source of the leak.

* **Plumber:** Call a plumber if the stain is located under a bathroom or kitchen, as it's likely caused by a leaking pipe, sink, or toilet.
* **Roofer:** Call a roofer if the stain is on the top floor and appears after it rains.
* **Water Damage Restoration Company:** Consider calling a water damage restoration company. They can handle the entire process, from finding the source of the leak and stopping it, to drying the area and repairing the ceiling.

Regardless of who you call to fix the leak, you should also contact your **homeowners insurance company** to see if the damage is covered by your policy. Be sure to document everything and take photos for your claim."
Answered on 12th Sep 2025 - Member since Aug 2025 - report
"More importantly, where is the water coming from: the bathroom, central heating pipes, or a leaky roof? Signs of water on the ceiling indicate you have a leak; if left, the ceiling will get worse."
Answered on 13th Sep 2025 - Member since Mar 2025 - report
"For a water stain on the ceiling, call a plumber if the leak appears to be from internal plumbing (like a sudden, unexplained stain with no rain) or a roofer if the stain worsens during or after rain (suggesting an external roof issue). After finding the leak's source and repairing it, you may need a water damage restoration professional to address the stains and any damage, and a painter to restore the ceiling"
Answered on 13th Sep 2025 - Member since Sep 2025 - report
"A decorator. They will stain block the affected area."
Answered on 15th Sep 2025 - Member since Feb 2017 - report
"Once cause of stain has been found/fixed a plasterer or decorator could do this task but more a decorating job using stainblock to prevent stain coming back"
Answered on 16th Sep 2025 - Member since Apr 2025 - report
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