What Should I do About Water Leaking Through My Ceiling?

Is water leaking through the ceiling? That’s a problem no homeowner should ignore. If you’ve noticed drops of water coming through the ceiling or even just a wet spot, take immediate action. Left untreated, ceiling water damage can lead to more than just some unsightly stains. It could result in mold and structural damage to your home.

Let’s look at the common signs of ceiling water damage, how to stop the issue from getting worse, and how to work with a professional to mitigate and remediate ceiling water damage in your home.

What to Do If Water Leaks Through the Ceiling: Immediate Action

If there’s no doubt in your mind that water damaged has occurred or that there is an active leak, take steps to mitigate the issue. If you can, shut off the suspected water source. If you can’t stop the leak yourself, call your local Mr. Rooter® Plumbing for assistance.

Know the Signs of Ceiling Water Damage

In most cases, the signs of water damage from a ceiling leak are obvious. Water dripping from the ceiling to a puddle on the floor is a clear indicator. But what if the signs are more subtle?

Here are the most common signs of ceiling water damage – some you may not expect:

  • Rust-colored stains or watermarks on the ceiling.

Noticing these spots on the ceiling means at some point in time there has been a ceiling leak. If the leak issue was not corrected, there’s a high likelihood there will be more leaks, increasing the risk of additional water damage in the future.

  • Mold on the ceiling and walls.

Where there’s a neglected water leak or high moisture problem, there’s mold. It only takes about 48 hours of wetness to create fungus growth in the home. Mold may appear white, green, black and even light orange or pink.

  • Sweating and swollen ceilings, door casings and walls.

A ceiling leak can cause water accumulation in the ceiling, doors and walls of the home, which often leads to sweating or swelling from the high moisture content. As the moisture condenses, there may be dripping or beading water droplets on ceilings and walls, doors may swell and not close correctly, and walls can develop a bubbled appearance.

  • Trim, baseboards and wallpaper separating from the wall.

Excess moisture causes walls and ceilings to swell, leading to decorative features separating and buckling.

What to Do If Water Leaks Through the Ceiling

The longer the leak continues, the greater the risk of serious water damage to your home. If you have noticed any of these signs, it’s crucial to stop the water leak right away to prevent further water damage. But what if you have no idea where the leak is coming from? Identifying the source of the leak is the first step.

If you think the leak may be plumbing-related, our friends at your local Mr. Rooter® Plumbing can quickly identify and fix the leak. For now, it’s a good idea to close your main water shut-off valve, turning off the water supply to stop the leaking until the plumber arrives.

Another common source of a ceiling leak is a roofing issue. Keep in mind roof repair is a complex, specialized task best left to the professionals. In order to stop the water from leaking through the ceiling immediately, consider using professional tarp-over service to protect your home from water damage until a professional roofer can address the problem.

Get Help From the Water Damage Restoration Pros

Even a minor ceiling leak can lead to extensive damage. Your best course of action after stopping the leak is to contact a professional plumber and the water damage remediation experts at your local Rainbow International.

Our team of IICRC-certified service professionals have the knowledge and tools to restore your home, mitigating and remediating damage from any ceiling leak. Don’t wait and allow water damage to spread throughout your home. Call (855) 724-6269 or request an appointment online to get started now.

Was your ceiling damaged by a plumbing leak? Choose Mr. Rooter to repair or replace your faulty fixtures. Like Rainbow International. Mr. Rooter is a member of the Neighborly® family of trusted home service companies.

About The Author