Put safety before finding the leak
Move people and pets away from the affected area. A bulging, sagging or cracking ceiling can fail without much warning. Do not stand underneath it, poke it or try to release water by making a hole.
Water near a light fitting, switch or cable is an electrical concern even if the light still works. Do not touch wet switches or fittings. Switch off the electricity at the consumer unit only if you can reach it safely from a dry position; otherwise keep clear and get urgent help.
Arrange for a registered electrician to assess affected electrics before they are used again. For immediate danger to life, fire or collapse, leave the area and call 999. ADI’s enquiry line is not an emergency service.
Limit further water if it is safe
If a shower, bath or appliance appears to be triggering the leak, stop using it. If you suspect a supply-pipe leak and know how to safely reach and operate the stop tap, isolate the water. Do not force a seized valve or enter an unsafe space to reach it.
Water already held in building materials may continue to drip after the supply is isolated. Turning off the water does not establish that the ceiling or electrics are safe. Do not climb onto a roof or enter an unsafe loft.
Record what happened from a safe place
Photograph the patch and note the time, recent rain, bathroom use and any change in size. Keep records of earlier repairs and when the problem first appeared. These observations help the person investigating without asking you to recreate the leak.
- Tell your landlord or managing agent promptly if you rent or live in a managed building.
- Contact your insurer and ask what evidence and authorisation they need.
- Arrange an urgent plumber for an active plumbing leak; an electrician is needed for affected electrics.
When the immediate risk is under control
If the source is obvious, the appropriate trade can repair it. When water keeps returning and the source cannot be found, a specialist leak investigation may be appropriate. Tell ADI what has been made safe and what remains unexplained.
Do not wait for a routine survey if water is actively affecting electrics or the ceiling is sagging. Deal with those risks first.