When you discover a leak in your home, the first question many homeowners ask is: “Should I call a roofer or a roof plumber?”
Leaks often appear in areas where plumbing and roofing meet, like pipes, flashing, gutters, and valleys. Misdiagnosing the problem can cost you time and money.
Steve is a licensed roofer and roof plumber, with a family legacy spanning generations in roofing.
Below are the differences and when to call each trade.
Roofer, Roof Plumber, and Plumber Comparison
| Roofer | Roof Plumber | Plumber |
|---|---|---|
| Specialises in the structure, tiles, metal sheets, flashing, and seals on your roof. If rainwater is getting inside, chances are it’s a roofer’s job. | In Australia, roof plumbers focus on gutters, downpipes, drainage, and metal roofing. They ensure rainwater is directed away from your home. | A general plumber handles water supply, waste pipes, and fixtures inside the house. If your pipes or drains are leaking, that’s their domain. |
| Steve is a licensed Roofing Contractor. NSW licence number: 118020C | Steve is a licensed Roof Plumber. NSW licence number: 118020C | Contact a plumber for internal water supply or drainage issues. If the leak isn’t rain-related, it’s likely a plumbing problem. |
The tricky part is when leaks happen around roof penetrations – like vent pipes, flues, or exhaust outlets. These spots often blur the line between roofing and plumbing, since both trades deal with sealing and drainage.
Real Homeowner Experiences
Here’s what real homeowners shared when facing the “roofer vs plumber” dilemma:
- “If the leak is from rain, it’s likely the flashing around the vent pipe. A roofer is best for fixing.” – Reddit User
- “If it’s a PVC plumbing vent and water is only getting in when it rains, it’s the boot or flashing that’s failed. Call a roofer first.” – Reddit User
- “Roof plumbers do gutters and downpipes. If it’s tiles or ridge capping, you need a roofer.” – Reddit User
- “Sometimes it’s both. A roof plumber handles drainage, but if water’s getting through cracked tiles, a roofer is the right call.” – Reddit User
- “If the leak is near gutters or valleys, that’s roof plumbing. But if the water is entering through tiles or ridges, you’re looking at roofing repairs.” – Reddit User
- “I had the same problem. I thought it was plumbing, but the roofer found the wrong-sized boot around my vent pipe. Fixed it on the spot.” – Reddit User
- “A roof plumber in Canberra told me my gutters were blocked, but I’d already cleaned them. Turns out the gutters weren’t installed properly – water was flowing backwards into the house.” – Reddit User
- “For metal roofing, a roof plumber usually knows what to do. For tile roofs, you’ll want a roofer or roof tiler.” – Reddit User
- “I called a plumber first, but they just referred me to a roofer. Save yourself the runaround and go straight to roofing specialists if it leaks only in the rain.” – Reddit User
- “Leaks can be tricky – I used a hose to test where the water was coming from. It showed the flashing was the issue, which the roofer fixed.” – Reddit User
How to Decide Who to Call
Here’s a quick guide to help you decide:
Call a Roof Plumber If:
- You have gutter or downpipe issues: blockages, damage, or incorrect gutter installation.
- There are problems with flashings or overflows: components that direct water away from the roof.
- You’re installing or repairing a roof drainage system: includes assessing and installing systems to manage rainwater.
- Your roof leak is related to drainage or gutters: if the source of the leak appears to be a blockage or malfunctioning gutter.
- You need installation of rainwater tanks.
Call a Roofer If:
- You have issues with roof tiles: cracked tiles or damage from severe weather.
- Your roof needs significant repairs: for general roofing problems a licensed roof contractor is appropriate.
- You’re performing routine maintenance or repair work: a roofer is the specialist for maintaining the overall structure of your roof.
When to Consider a Regular Plumber:
- If the leak originates from internal plumbing: a plumber can determine if a leaking pipe within the attic or roof structure is the cause.
- Water drips even when it isn’t raining.
- The issue involves bathrooms, kitchens, or your water supply.
Not all leaks are created equal. Knowing where the water comes from helps you call the right expert.
If you experience a roofing or roof plumbing issue contact Steve today.
Steve’s Professional Take
Steve, a licensed roof plumber in NSW, explains:
“A lot of leaks I’m called out to fix are actually roofing issues, not plumbing. People often assume it’s the pipes, but it’s really the flashing, ridge capping, or gutters. That’s why it’s important to get someone who understands both roofing and plumbing systems. In my family, we’ve been doing this for generations and it comes down to experience.”
When in doubt, remember this simple rule: If it only leaks when it rains, start with a roofer. If it leaks even when dry, call a plumber.
With over 32 years of roofing experience and a roof plumbing licence to match, Steve knows exactly where to look and how to fix it. Saving you time, stress, and costly damage down the track.
If you’re in the North Shore and need expert advice, call Steve today.
Not sure if you need a roofer or a plumber?
Don’t waste time guessing. Call Steve today for an expert roof inspection and get it fixed right the first time.
Our Services
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