Water leaking through the ceiling: what to do right now
Short answer
Put a bucket under the drip, move belongings away, and turn off the water to the fixture or the main shutoff if the leak comes from plumbing above. Turn off power to the area if water is near lights or outlets. A sagging, water-filled bulge can be drained carefully into a bucket to prevent a sudden collapse. Then find the source.
In this guide
Water coming through a ceiling can come from plumbing above, the roof, an HVAC unit or condensation. The first job is the same: limit the damage.
Right now
- Put buckets and towels under the drip and move furniture and electronics away.
- If the leak started while someone used a bathroom or appliance upstairs, turn that fixture off. If you are not sure, close the main water shutoff.
- If water is near a light fixture, ceiling fan or outlet, turn off power to that area at the breaker, and stay away from the fixture.
Never touch a light fixture or switch that has water in it. Keep people out from under a sagging ceiling.
A sagging bulge
Water can collect above drywall and make it sag. If it is bulging, a common step is to place a bucket underneath and carefully poke a small hole at the lowest point with a screwdriver, letting the water drain in a controlled way. Do this only from a safe position, and only if the bulge is not near electrical fixtures.
Find the source
| Clue | Likely source |
|---|---|
| Leak only when a shower or tub upstairs is used | Shower pan, drain, or tile and caulk |
| Leak when a toilet upstairs is flushed | Wax ring or supply line |
| Constant leak with fixtures off | Supply pipe; check the water meter |
| Leak during rain | Roof, flashing or gutters |
| Leak under an attic HVAC unit | Clogged condensate drain |
Next steps
- Call a plumber for plumbing leaks; a roofer for rain leaks.
- Take photos for insurance before cleanup.
- Dry the area quickly; wet drywall and insulation can grow mold.
If the meter shows water moving with everything off, see our guide to the water meter spinning with everything off.
Who to call
| Situation | Call |
|---|---|
| Leak from a bathroom or pipe above | Plumber |
| Leak only during rain or snowmelt | Roofer |
| Leak under an attic furnace or air handler | HVAC technician |
| Large area soaked or ceiling sagging | Water damage restoration company as well |
What repairs usually involve
For plumbing leaks, a section of ceiling is often cut out to reach the pipe or drain, which also lets the space dry. Wet insulation is removed. After the repair and drying, the drywall is patched and painted. Stains that return after painting mean the area was not fully dry or the leak is not fixed.
Prevention
- Recaulk tubs and showers when the caulk cracks or pulls away.
- Replace old toilet supply lines with braided ones.
- Have attic HVAC condensate lines cleared yearly.
Common questions
Should I poke a hole in a bulging ceiling?
If it is holding water and away from electrical fixtures, draining it carefully into a bucket can prevent a sudden collapse. Stay out from under it.
Is water leaking through the ceiling an emergency?
Yes if it is heavy, constant, near electricity or the ceiling is sagging. Stop the water and call a professional.
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