First: Stop the damage before it gets bigger
Before you call anyone, do these three steps — it could save you hundreds of riyals:
- Close the main water valve (usually near the meter or in the kitchen).
- Turn off the electricity to the area if water is near outlets or wires.
- Photograph the leak — the image will help you with pricing and with insurance claims, if any.
How do you identify the source of the leak?
The location of the spot often indicates the cause:
- Spot on the ceiling: a leak from the upper floor bathroom, or from an overhead tank, or from the roof insulation if you are on the top floor.
- Dampness below the wall: a pipe inside the wall or a leak from a nearby drain.
- Water around the base of the chair: The wax ring (white) needs replacing — a simple and cheap repair.
- Water under the sink: connection or siphon — the easiest case.
- The water meter is running and the valves are closed: a hidden leak in the network — this needs to be detected by devices.
A simple test you can do yourself
Turn off all taps and appliances that use water, then record the meter reading. Wait two hours without using any water, then read the meter again. If the reading has changed, you definitely have a hidden leak.
When should you contact a technician immediately?
Do not delay if you see any of these:
- Water dripping from the ceiling or light fixture.
- A bulge in the wall or peeling paint.
- A musty smell or black spots (mold that is harmful to health).
- The water bill suddenly jumped.
- The sound of water flowing inside the wall.
How much does the repair cost?
| the condition | Approximate cost |
|---|---|
| Changing a sink drain pipe or siphon | 100-180 riyals |
| Replacing the bathroom chair ring | 150-250 riyals |
| Leak detection using equipment (without breaking) | 300-450 riyals |
| Repairing a pipe inside the wall | 400 – 900 riyals |
| Roof insulation (per square meter) | 40-60 riyals |
Why is detection using devices more economical, even though it seems like an additional cost?
Without a thorough inspection, the technician guesses and breaks things around searching for the source. Replacing one meter of broken tiles can cost more than the entire inspection fee. Thermal and acoustic devices pinpoint the location with centimeter accuracy, so the breakage is concentrated in a single, small spot.
Common mistakes that cost homeowners dearly
- Ignore a small spot: a leak won't heal on its own — it will expand and reach the iron, causing it to rust.
- Simply treating the stain: painting over the moisture hides it for a month, then it returns worse.
- Accepting the cheapest offer without disclosure often means a temporary fix for the symptom of the problem, not its cause.
A frequently asked question: Does the leak affect the neighbors?
Yes, and you may be liable. If the leak originated in your unit and damaged the unit below, custom and regulations require you to pay for repairs. Early intervention is cheaper than compensation.