What to report
Note the location of visible water, cracked external parts if apparent and whether the problem occurs during operation or while the system is idle. Avoid handling icy, pressurized or electrically connected equipment.
Diagnostic scope
Ask the provider to identify the failed part and look for related damage before replacing it. A visible leak may be one item in a wider assessment, especially if several zones behave differently after startup.
Repair approval
Request the parts, labor and testing scope in writing. Clarify what is known now and what further operation may reveal. Do not accept a promise that one visible repair proves every buried component is intact.
Useful question
What findings distinguish weather-related damage from an unrelated leak that became noticeable at the same time?