If water is leaking through your ceiling, keep people away from the wet area, catch the water, and shut off the water supply if a pipe or fixture above is the source. Then call a plumber. If you live in an apartment, notify the unit above and your building manager.
Stay Safe First
Water held in a ceiling can be heavy. If you see bulging or sagging, keep everyone out from under it. Do not use lights or ceiling fans in a wet ceiling. If water is near light fixtures or outlets, turn off power to that area at the breaker if you can do it safely.
Find Out Where It Is Coming From
Ceiling leaks often start in a bathroom or kitchen above. Common sources include a toilet seal, a shower drain, a supply line, or a pipe in the floor. In a house, check the room directly above. In an apartment, knock on your neighbor’s door or call your super, since the leak may be in their unit.
Catch the Water
Put buckets or pans under the drip and lay towels around them. Move furniture, rugs, and electronics out of the way. Take photos of the ceiling and any damage for your records.
What a Plumber Will Do
A plumber traces the leak to its source and repairs the pipe, fixture, or seal. Sometimes a small opening in the ceiling is needed to reach the pipe. Once the leak is fixed, the ceiling should dry fully before it is patched and painted. You can read more about how a ceiling leak gets fixed and what the repair involves.
Even a slow ceiling drip can soak insulation and wood. Damp ceilings can grow mold, so it is best to act quickly.
If the leak is coming from your own plumbing, JPR Plumbing can help. While the ceiling dries, it is a good time for a look at the bathroom and kitchen lines above it. Call (833) 603-1840.