Something's leaking and you don't know who to trust — start here

Many people don't realise they're calling the wrong person until the wrong person is already inside their home. A dripping tap is a plumber's job. A blown fuse isn't. A burst pipe needs urgent attention; a leaking roof calls for a roofer first, a plumber second. The biggest mistake is panic-calling the first person in your contacts or clicking the first search result, only to discover halfway through the conversation that they either can't help or will charge you a premium for being out of their depth.

When something leaks, you're often stressed and wanting it fixed now. That urgency is exactly when clear thinking matters most. Spending fifteen minutes figuring out which type of professional you actually need saves you money, time and the awkwardness of cancelling after someone's already on the way.

The leak detective: what's really going on?

Before you call anyone, take a moment to observe. Is the water coming from inside a cupboard, appearing on a ceiling, or pooling near the geyser? Is it clear water or discoloured? Is it a constant drip or a sudden gush? These details aren't just useful—they tell you almost everything about who should handle it.

Water pooling in a bathroom cabinet, under a sink, or around a toilet is almost always a plumber's territory. The same goes for water appearing inside the house near pipes, geysers, or appliance connections. If the leak is on the exterior wall, roof, or between floors, a roofer or waterproofing specialist may need to look first. If the floor is wet under carpet or laminate far from any obvious water source, you might need a surveyor or specialist damp proofer to diagnose the root cause before anyone fixes it.

The golden rule: if it involves pipes, joints, taps, geysers, appliances with water connections, or internal plumbing fixtures, a licensed plumber is your starting point. If water is entering from outside, coming down walls, or visible only as damp or staining without an obvious source, you need specialist help—and that specialist will often tell you whether a plumber is needed too.

Who does what, and how to reach them

Plumbers come in different shapes. Some are independent traders working from home, others run small teams, and a few operate larger operations. All should be able to give you a description of the job over WhatsApp or a phone call and tell you whether they can help. The key questions to ask any professional:

• Can you diagnose this type of issue, or do you need to refer me elsewhere?
• Do you charge for a call-out to look, or only if you do the work?
• How soon can you visit?
• Can you give a rough estimate before arriving, based on what I've described?

If they're uncertain or dismissive of your description, they may not be the right fit. A professional worth hiring will listen carefully and be honest about whether the job is in their wheelhouse.

For roofing leaks or damp that isn't linked to plumbing, you'll need a roofer or waterproofing specialist. For electrical issues (water near light fittings, for instance), contact a qualified electrician. If your geyser is leaking and you're unsure whether it needs draining, repair or replacement, a plumber specialising in geysers or an installer can walk you through your options.

The fastest path forward is to describe exactly what you see—location, water colour, whether it's dripping or flowing, when you first noticed it—in a brief message or call. An honest tradesperson will either confirm they can help or point you in the right direction. Once you know which type of provider you need, you can then compare reviews, check qualifications, and get quotes with confidence.

Strove lets you search by problem type, see verified tradespeople near you, read real reviews, and message a few providers at once to find someone available who's clear about the work and the cost. That's a solid way to start when you're unsure and stressed.