Know Your Stains!

Hi,

After last night’s downpour, you or your tenants might have noticed new marks or stains on the ceiling or walls. Before anyone panics—or grabs the paint—it’s worth knowing:

🧠 Not all stains are equal. They don’t all mean an active leak, and some are trying to tell you the problem’s just beginning.

Let’s break it down. Below are real examples of water stains from recent properties:

🟠 Stain A – Pale, light patch

This usually means an active or recent leak. Moisture is still present, especially if the stain feels cold or damp to touch. Common causes: cracked sealant, failed flat roof, plumbing fault.

👉 Action: Get this checked ASAP—especially if it’s growing or the ceiling feels soft.

🟤 Stain B – Brown or yellowed edge

A dark ring or discolouration often means the moisture is drying out, or the leak may have been intermittent. This could be old damage—or a recurring issue .Common causes: gutter overspill, shower tray movement, previous leak not fully resolved.

👉 Action: Monitor it. If it darkens again after rain, the leak is still active.

⚫ Stain C – Re-wetting or changing after rain

If a stain goes from light to dark again after weather changes, this is your red flag. The source is likely intermittent—a gutter, pipe, or roof detail that only leaks under certain conditions. Common causes: wind-driven rain, loose tile, dodgy waste connections, tenant-use related leaks.

👉 Action: Photograph the stain when it’s at its worst, and again once dry. Patterns = proof.

Water leak stains

🔧 Continuous vs Intermittent

• Continuous leak = mains-fed or constant source (pipe rupture, toilet supply).

• Intermittent leak = weather-related or only happens when something is used (showers, waste pipes, blocked gutters).

📣 For Landlords & Property Managers:

Don’t let that £50 stain turn into a £500 repair or tenant complaint.

❗ Insurance may not cover long-term leaks

❗ Section 11 disrepair claims can be triggered by mould and ignored reports

❗ A stain that "dries up" can still return—and bring mould with it

👉 Keep tenants informed: Send them this article or share the stain photo guide to help them report issues accurately.📲 Or just ask them to WhatsApp a photo directly using this link: Message The London Contractor on WhatsApp

💬 Not sure what you're looking at?

Send in a photo via WhatsApp or email and we’ll tell you exactly what’s going on. Or, book a consultation in person or via email and telephone and get a tailored action plan and repair estimate.

💸 Spread the Cost (If You Need To)

We know repairs don’t always come at the right time. That’s why we’ve teamed up with Payl8r to offer flexible payment options on approved works.

No stress, no hidden fees—just a way to fix the problem now and pay in a way that works for you.

📲 Ask for a quote and we’ll let you know if the job qualifies. More info here: Policies | The London Contractor