Water Leaking From The Ceiling: Who To Call About The Damage?

Coming downstairs one morning and finding your living room more like a swimming pool is disturbing. Or perhaps as you’re eating supper, water starts to drip in from the ceiling!

The first thing you should do if water is dripping from your ceiling is to remain calm. While it may be very tempting to worry, the water may still seep through your ceiling, causing further damage.

In just a few easy steps, we’ll walk you through what to do if water is dripping from your ceiling.

Summary

The most common reason water is leaking from the ceiling is a burst pipe. When a burst pipe causes water to leak from the ceiling, the person you should call about the damage is a plumber. When the roof is causing water to leak from the ceiling, a roofer is a person you should call about the damage.

Here’s everything we’ll go over in this article:

• Who to Call For Water Damage In The Ceiling?
• Common reasons your ceiling is leaking
• Why Is Water Seeping Through The Bathroom’s Ceiling?
• A Step-By-Step Tutorial For Repairing A Ceiling Leak
• Determine The Leak’s Source
• How To Repair Minor Ceiling Water Damage
• What Is The Cost Of Bathroom Ceiling Repair?
• What Causes Small Brown Water Stains On Ceilings?
• My Roof Is Leaking During Heavy Rain. What Are The Reasons?

Who to Call For Water Damage In The Ceiling?

To prevent serious water damage, it’s critical to fix the cause of any roof leaks as away. What appears to be a small leak from a rainy day may be a roofing problem that has been present for some time but is only now manifesting as a leak. By contacting your local roofing business, you can ensure that your home’s roof is protected against minor leaks and serious structural issues.

Calling in a professional roofing firm will not only treat the leak’s source but is who you should call for water damage in the ceiling. However, the roofing contractor will also perform a thorough roof inspection to look for hidden roofing issues that could cause leaks down the road.

Common reasons your ceiling is leaking

A damaged roof frequently leaves “footprints” on your ceiling that can be seen from within your home. Unsightly stains may form in the affected ceiling sections if water has penetrated your shingles or from another source. If you’re unlucky, you might find some dark brown or yellowish spots growing on your ceiling. It might even be completely damaged.

Here are the most common reasons your ceiling is leaking:

• Burst pipes
• Roof leaks
• Issues with appliances

Are you ready for it?

Burst Pipes

Damages are especially frequent in the winter when the temperatures can drop to extremely low levels. Burst pipes frequently cause ceiling leaks. When the water inside pipes rapidly cools down, it expands and creates pressure. With the increasing pressure, if the pipe cannot withstand the added pressure, that might cause a burst.

A burst pipe may result in significant flooding, harming the area and destroying things like the ceiling stated earlier. Water lines that enter the bathroom from upstairs or pipes that go to the laundry room from above are two examples of places that may be more susceptible to burst. Water from ruptured pipes may have a lighter tint and be almost clear since it has been filtered.

Roof Leaks

A roof leak is most frequently the result of cracked shingles, an inadequately ventilated attic, or access to the exterior, such as a chimney or a vent. Your home’s interior will become exposed to the elements if your roof leaks, which will cause a moist attic and ceiling below. At any time of the year, damage to your roof is possible. Therefore it’s important to inspect it regularly. Watch for any indications of probable roof leaks. It may be a sign that the roof is to blame if the water emanating from the leak is stained or brown in color.

A prime illustration of what could result in some roofing damage is the dramatic temperature swings that occur throughout the winter. An “ice dam” will develop beneath your shingles when outside weather frequently freezes and thaws the snow on the roof. These dams could let a lot of water into your house.

Here are signs to look out for

• Missing or damaged shingles
• Damaged flashing
• Wet roof decking
• Water spots on the ceiling

Flawed Appliances

This issue should only be considered if your property has a second story that houses appliances like:

• refrigerators
• dishwashing machines
• and washers.

These appliances’ supply and drain lines are susceptible to breakage. It might cause water to seep out onto the floor underneath the unit. This water will damage the ceiling below by permeating the floor.

Also, leaks may be visible behind or beneath the appliance before advancing through the roof. The water from leaks brought on by broken appliances is more likely to be clear, similar to when a pipe bursts.

Here’s a look at some of the different causes to look for.

Cause	Description
Clogged gutters	When gutters are clogged with debris, water can back up. It can seep into the roof, which causes leaks.
Damaged shingles	If shingles are missing, water can penetrate the roof. It will eventually cause leaks.
Improper flashing	Flashing is the material used to seal the areas where the roof meets walls and chimneys. Damaged flashing can cause water to seep into the roof.
Poor attic ventilation	If there is not enough ventilation in the attic, warm moist air can build up. It can cause condensation on the underside of the roof.
Plumbing leaks	Water leaks in the plumbing can cause leaks.

Why Is Water Seeping Through The Bathroom’s Ceiling?

Do you see any watermarks or damp spots on the ceiling below the restroom? Your ceiling may be dripping from the upstairs bathroom. This kind of leak occurs frequently.

Typically, water stains on the room’s ceiling directly below will be the first indication of a plumbing leak in your bathroom. It is typically a sign that the leak has concealed regions that have sustained expensive damage. You need to get a plumber to investigate and fix the leak.

Most plumbing leaks start close to fixtures like:

• bathtubs
• shower stalls
• sinks
• and toilets.

You might spare yourself a headache and a hefty future repair fee by taking the time to watch out for certain obvious indicators that your bathroom might be leaking. Here’s how to find a leak in the ceiling from an upstairs bathroom:

How To Determine The Source Of The Leak?

You must locate the leak’s source before you can begin to fix your plumbing. However, it’s not always simple to identify water leaks in the ceiling.

These are five potential reasons:

• Water pipes
• Shower faucets
• Damaged tile
• Wet drain gasket
• Drains working improperly.

1. Water Pipe Leaks

Broken or loose pipes frequently cause shower leaks. Check the water valve behind the walls if access is possible. Are the piping connections harmed? Do you observe any water drips? If so, you can presume that this is where your leak is coming from.

2. Damaged Bathroom Tile

The bathroom tile is ornamental, but it also prevents shower water from leaking into the walls and floor of your bathroom. Water can leak into the room below if the tiling is loose or damaged. The substrate (the surface to which the tile attaches) may be old, and the grout may be worn out.

3. Unreliable Shower Faucet

Does it still drip when you turn off the water in the shower? A leaky shower faucet can waste hundreds of gallons of water each week and result in wall leaks. O-rings, washers, or gaskets that are damaged are frequently to blame.

4. Obstructed Drain

Water cannot drain from a shower drain clogged with:

• hair
• soap
• and other debris.

A leak through the ceiling below could occur if the tub or pan overflows.

5. Wet Drain Gasket

The rubber gasket beneath the shower drain may dry out, break, and leak over time.

To pinpoint the precise source of the leak, some trial and error may be necessary. Along the way, you can discover further indications of water damage. Your shower fixtures may need to be upgraded.

Cause of Leak	Cost to Fix
Clogged gutters	$100 – $300
Condensation	$200 – $800
HVAC leaks	$500 – $1,500
Plumbing leaks	$300 – $1,000
Roof leaks	$500 – $1,500

A Step-By-Step Tutorial For Repairing A Ceiling Leak

There are several ways to repair your leaky ceiling, regardless of the cause. Most of the time, a homeowner may solve the issue by purchasing supplies easily accessible at home improvement stores.

This article will go through how to ensure you get the right materials for your roof and fix the leaking immediately.

Determine The Leak’s Source

Look for telltale moisture indicators and remember that it can cause your ceiling’s break.

To remedy it, you must find the area of your ceiling where the leak occurs.

It is advised to look for drywall panels that are drooping or cracking if you’re not sure where the water is coming from. You might also see parts of the ceiling with stains that resemble tea.

Drop Clothes Or Lay A Tarp

A bucket should be placed underneath the leak to catch any water that may drop or leak once the leak is drained. If you do not own a bucket, you can lay a tarp or use some of your old clothing to protect the floor. Your flooring will be shielded from water damage in this manner.

Use A Screwdriver To Drain The Leak

To allow the leak to drain and stop future water damage, take a screwdriver and push it into the middle of the site of the leak (away from framing boards).

A significant hole or possibly a ceiling collapse could result from water that is allowed to build up on the ceiling.

Fix The Ceiling Leak

You can begin repairing a water-damaged ceiling after locating the leak’s cause. You may also need to repair a plaster ceiling or patch up ceiling fractures.

As necessary, take further steps as well. Any sturdy material, such as a wooden plank or extra shingle, might temporarily plug the leak if it comes from your attic.

To solve the issue, you will need roofing tar to secure the patch. You can cover the leak with a tarp if it leaks through the roof, but you will probably need to call a roofing expert to solve the issue.

How To Repair Minor Ceiling Water Damage

At some point in the future, you’re likely to deal with water-damaged drywall, whether it’s from burst plumbing pipes or a leaking roof. You always have the option to call a professional, but you can also decide to fix minor water damage yourself. Here is a straightforward four-step process that any homeowner can apply to fix or replace drywall harmed by water.

Repair The Leak

To repair water damage, stopping the problem at its source is the first and most crucial step. While this is clear for major breaches, it may be tempting to delay or minimize the effects if the leak is minor. No matter how big the leak is, you’ll eventually run into the same issue with water-damaged drywall if you don’t repair it first.

Cutting a six-square-inch hole in your drywall near where the water damage occurred may frequently show you where the leak is coming from. You must first turn off your water supply to repair the leak and cut out the broken pipe.

Use the appropriate installation technique for the type of pipe you have. When selecting repair kits, read the back carefully because there may be “Easy DIY-type kits” that are not advised for use behind drywall or in inaccessible regions. Turn the water back on after being fixed using high-quality pipe and fittings, then check for leaks before fixing the drywall.

Replace Sagging Drywall

The porous form of drywall can easily lose its structural integrity when exposed to moisture for an extended period. While fixing broken drywall, you must also acknowledge that blistering or sagging drywall cannot be repaired. If you have a level tool, you can use it to find sections of drywall that are not completely vertical and replace them with a fresh piece.

However, you must ensure the drywall is dry before installing the new piece. Even after the leak’s source has been sealed off, the new drywall may still sustain damage if installed while resting against dampness. Before installing the new piece of drywall, let the interior wall dry out for a few days if needed.

Get Rid Of The Mold

Since drywall is porous, damp conditions are ideal for mold growth. If the drywall is mold-infested but still structurally sound, you must clean the drywall to remove the mold. A diluted bleach solution can kill mold without harming the drywall.

The chlorine bleach should eliminate all mold indications within one to two days. It may also get rid of little water stains on the wall. The next step is to sand and paint the wall if any remaining stains are visible.

Type of Mold	Cause	Danger (1-10)
Aspergillus	Moist and warm environments. It’ll show up in air conditioning systems and homes that struggle with humidity.	5
Cladosporium	Commonly found in cool, damp environments. Basements, showers, and window sills are placed it’s commonly found.	3
Stachybotrys (Black mold)	Thrives in damp and poorly ventilated areas. Water damage or high indoor humidity are the typical culprits.	8
Penicillium	It’s found in damp or water-damaged buildings. It can be found in soil and decaying organic matter.	4
Alternaria	It’s commonly found in damp indoor and outdoor environments. Be on the lookout for water leaks or high humidity that causes it.	3

Cover Water Marks

Use a paint scraper to first remove any loose or peeling paint before covering water stains in the drywall. After that, begin sanding the wall with medium-grit sandpaper and continue until the surface is smooth. When the drywall’s surface is clear of flaws, you can prime and paint it. Minor water damage to drywall may easily be repaired. With a little research and perseverance, any homeowner should be able to do it.

To determine when to contact a professional, you should be able to identify significant water damage outside the reach of a do-it-yourself project.

What Is The Cost Of Bathroom Ceiling Repair?

In the US, homeowners typically pay $400 to $1,200 to fix a single room’s ceiling. The price of painting the ceiling after the repair is made is not included in this quote.

The amount of:

• damage
• ceiling height
• and materials all affect pricing.

Additionally, remember that plaster, wood, and other materials will increase the cost of restoration for ceilings.

What Causes Small Brown Water Stains On Ceilings?

Brown watermarks on a ceiling indicate the presence of a leak and the accumulation of water there. The obvious cause of brown patches on the ceiling is a leaky roof, but other problems may also be to blame.

Roofing Issue

For a variety of reasons, roofs can leak. A waterproof membrane is used on commercial roofs to keep water from penetrating the structure. Age, mechanical harm, and even powerful storms can cause this membrane to wear down.

It will let water leak through when worn, soaking the underside of the insulation. If neglected, this may result in structural problems, such as a water stain on the surfaces of the ceiling.

Where two roof components have been connected, commercial buildings with metal roofs will have flashings. These flashings are intended to keep the space waterproof. You can observe the following:

• water seepage
• brown patches on ceilings
• and even down walls if they start to deteriorate.

Leaking Ice Dams

Ice dam leaks are the most likely reason for stains at ceiling corners or exterior walls. When the attic’s insulation is insufficient, this occurs. In the event of inadequate insulation, snow accumulated on the roof following a severe downpour may melt. It leaves stains on the ceiling. Examine the nail heads in your attic to see if there is dampness. Condensation is a problem if the surfaces are discolored or corroded.

HVAC Systems

HVAC systems naturally produce water vapor as part of their operation. Normally, this water is drained out through the vent. However, faulty ducting or HVAC unit installation might cause ceiling leaks. These leaks may occasionally be a sign of a problem with the HVAC system rather than a roofing problem.

Additionally, water may collect close to the HVAC unit. It impedes adequate drainage and harms the ceiling and roof. Calling your HVAC contractor to help solve the problem is a wise option.

Broken Pipe

Old pipelines, in particular, are vulnerable to leaks and breaks. As the water slowly seeps through the material, it may cause stains on the ceiling and water spots on its surfaces. In this situation, you ought to call in a plumber to examine your pipes. If necessary, replace them.

A builder should also be contacted to evaluate the water damage the pipe has caused, particularly if it has been dripping for some time.

Vents

Skylights, air and plumbing vents, and other accessories are sometimes installed on some rooftops, especially business roofs. Even though experienced roofing contractors work hard to ensure these sections are waterproof, leaks can happen if they aren’t perfectly incorporated into the roof.

Examining the area yourself is a simple approach to determining whether the water stain on the ceiling results from leaks near vents or skylights. If you notice stains, you can be sure your leak is coming from the vents.

My Roof Is Leaking During Heavy Rain. What Are The Reasons?

So the rain has started, and a little while later, you see water leaking from your ceiling. What should you do at this point? Don’t panic is the first thing to do.

Most frequently, a roof leak during a downpour is how many homeowners first learn that their roof requires repair. The best thing you can do in the interim is to limit any damage, even though you’ll want to contact a roofing contractor right once to come to take a look at your roof.

If your roof leaks from rain, it may indicate a broader issue. If ignored, it might lead to more serious issues in the future. So, what are those issues that are causing a leak during heavy rain? We’ll discover that together in this article.

Solar Panels

A solar panel system can help you save a lot of money. If it is done incorrectly, leaks could occur in many of the locations where the panels are mounted to your roof. Every mount must be firmly fixed to the roof, which necessitates the use of numerous screws. Each screw hole presents the risk of a leak. Make sure to look for leaks in the area of your attic where the solar panels are installed.

Leaking Plumbing

Your leak could be coming from any vent covers for ventilation fans that you have on your roof. Ensure your bathroom fan duct is insulated before climbing the roof to search for leaks. The air will become more humid due to improperly insulated fan ducts. Condensation develops in the duct as a result. Keep an eye out for moisture accumulating in the attic or bathroom walls.

Too Much Weight

You may notice some sagging of the roof if your roofing system is too heavy for the structure of your building. It can have major implications on the roofing system as a whole, not to mention the dangers of having people under such an unstable roof. Do not use an unlicensed contractor who seems unaware that your building isn’t suitable for a heavy roofing system. You can have to replace your entire roof since they won’t take the necessary safety procedures when constructing your roof. Your first indication that your roof requires repair is when it leaks because it is too heavy and submerged in water.

Flat Roofs

Some flat roofs lack the drainage needed to handle significant rains. If your room doesn’t have adequate drainage, here is a great spot to start making modifications.

It’s important to remember that flat roofs don’t necessarily leak like roofs with more contour. Instead, you might see wet spots on the ceiling or drop marks covering a sizable portion of your walls.

Additionally, water may collect around the home or building’s perimeter foundation. Lower levels, such as the basement or crawl space, may become wet due to this standing water penetrating through foundation walls, siding, or fissures.

Chimney Leaks

Even though chimneys are made to keep the elements out, your roof may leak because of your chimney. Homes with chimneys frequently experience roof leaks during periods of heavy rain.

Your chimney’s exterior construction frequently holds onto water, which might cause the roof to leak during a heavy downpour. Additionally, you must confirm that the flashing and shingles surrounding the chimney are in good condition.

A sheet of metal called flashing is used to cover the chimney and roof overlaps. The chimney and roof are covered with two layers of flashing, which are then caulked with superior urethane caulk. When the caulk ages, it gets loose and develops a pocket that allows rainwater to leak. Reapplying the caulking will often fix chimney leaks, but flashing may require further care and an expert eye.

Your Skylight

Skylights frequently leak during intense downpours. It doesn’t necessarily imply that the skylight is broken; rather, it just increases the likelihood that condensation from rain and runoff may leak through.

A bucket under the leak will usually work as a temporary repair. Get the help of a roofing inspector as soon as the rain ceases so they can evaluate the damage caused by the leak.

Frequently Asked Questions