What to do if a pipe leaks through the ceiling?

Author: Kaleigh Bins  |  Last update: Monday, September 8, 2025

When water is leaking from the ceiling, immediate action is required to prevent further damage. Act fast by shutting off the water supply, catch or soak up excess water, and contact a water damage restoration company to remediate the ceiling water damage.

How much does it cost to fix a leaking pipe in the ceiling?

Fixing an exposed pipe in a crawl space or basement is $150 while repairing a leaky pipe inside a wall starts at $150 and can go up to $350 or more. A pipe in the wall behind a kitchen cabinet will cost $500; if the faulty pipe is in a ceiling, it can cost $700 to $2,500.

What to do if water is dripping through the ceiling?

Place buckets or a trash can under the ceiling to catch water. If you have access to the attic space, try to pinpoint the source of the leak and place some buckets there to prevent as much water as possible from saturating your ceiling. if water is puddling above, drill a hole to relieve it.

Do I need to replace the ceiling after a water leak?

Figuring out if a ceiling needs to be replaced after water damage depends on the damage's extent and source. Small issues like stains or leaks can often be fixed with simple repairs. But, if the damage is severe, like sagging plaster or mold, a full replacement is usually needed.

Is a leak in the ceiling an emergency?

If your ceiling starts leaking, it's important to recognize that this is often an emergency situation. A leaking ceiling can quickly lead to more significant issues within your home's structure, so taking immediate action is crucial.

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What to do if pipe leaks through the ceiling?

If you have a burst pipe in the ceiling, pierce and drain the ceiling at the point of dripping water, remove all wet materials, try to identify the source of the leak, repair the affected pipe, dry damaged flooring, drywall, and other materials, and patch the ceiling.

Does homeowners insurance cover leaks in ceiling?

Water dripping from your roof can cause damage to your home's interior walls, ceilings, floors and your personal belongings. Typically, if the leak was caused by a covered peril, then it will be covered by your home insurance.

Who is responsible for leaking ceiling?

Responsibility for Repairs

Determining who is responsible for repairing a ceiling leak can be a point of contention between tenants and landlords. In most cases, the responsibility falls on the landlord, as they are typically responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the building.

Does homeowners insurance cover water damage?

Source of damage

If the source of the damage comes from inside your home, such as a water leak from plumbing , a broken pipe or overflowing appliance, you'll likely be covered by your homeowners insurance.

Who to call when water coming through the ceiling?

Should I call a plumber or the water utility company if my ceiling leaks? Call an emergency plumber if there's water leaking through the ceiling.

How much does it cost to repair a water damaged ceiling?

Repairing water damage on ceilings can cost between $45-$55 per square foot, not including repairs to the initial leak. The age of the house, the ceiling material and the size of the damaged area may lead to higher repair costs.

Will a ceiling leak dry on its own?

In general, it can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks for a ceiling to dry out completely. To speed up the drying process, use dehumidifiers, fans, and open windows to improve ventilation.

Does insurance cover burst pipes?

Accidental water damage that occurs as a result of a sudden, unexpected occurrence like a burst pipe is often covered by a homeowners insurance policy. In addition, cleaning, repair or replacement of wood flooring, drywall and even furniture due to water damage as a result of a burst pipe typically is covered.

Can a handyman fix a leaky pipe?

Minor issues: For slight plumbing problems such as changing a faucet, repairing a sink's leaky pipe, or clearing out clogged drainages, it is recommended to hire a handyman plumber.

How do you fill a hole in a pipe in the ceiling?

Patch small and medium-sized holes with a mesh drywall patch or make a square patch out of a new piece of drywall to fill in larger holes. Either way, cover the patch up with 2 coats of spackling, sanding after each coat, then prime the patch with a water-based primer before painting over it.

What to do if water leaks through the ceiling?

If you notice water leaking in your ceiling, you'll need to call a plumber or a roofer depending on the cause of the leak. It can be hard to work out which you need to call, as it isn't always obvious whether a leak is due to issues with your plumbing or your roof.

Who fixes leaks in ceilings?

Problems with your plumbing are likely to be the cause of any water damage to the ceilings on the first or second floors of your home. If there's a leak in the ceiling above your bathroom, living room, kitchen, or dining room, you should call a professional plumber.

How long can you leave a leaking ceiling?

In General, a ceiling should take no more than 48 hours to dry out completely. However, if the leak was particularly severe or if mould has started to grow, you may need to call in a professional to assess the damage and determine the best course of action.

Does insurance cover ceiling leaks?

Home insurance will cover water damage if the ceiling leak is sudden and accidental, but it will not cover every cause, as listed above. Roof damage due to poor maintenance and neglect and aging roofs needing replacement are the most common reasons that home insurance does not cover ceiling leaks.

Who pays for water line repair?

If these are damaged or break, the homeowner might be responsible for the repair. A standard homeowners policy does not cover the service lines running into the home—unless you've added service line coverage.

How to determine where a water leak is coming from?

7 Effective Methods To Identify Hidden Water Leaks In Your Home
  1. Monitor Your Water Meter.
  2. Conduct a Visual Inspection.
  3. Check Faucets, Showerheads, and Toilets.
  4. Examine Outdoor Areas.
  5. Utilize Technology.
  6. Conduct a Pressure Test.
  7. Seek Professional Home Leak Detection Services.

How do I make a successful roof leak insurance claim?

  1. Assess the Damage to the Roof.
  2. Check What Your Insurance Cover.
  3. Document the Damage.
  4. Contact Your Insurer.
  5. Contact a Local Roofing Company.
  6. File Your Claim.

Is a ceiling leak plumbing?

If your ceiling is leaking, there are two likely culprits: an issue with your plumbing (like a damaged pipe) or an issue with your roof (like overflowing gutters). Identifying the ceiling leak, tracing it to its origin, and stopping it must all be done before repairing the ceiling.

Does homeowners insurance go up after a claim?

After you file a home insurance claim, it's possible that your premium will increase when your policy renews. If you file one claim, your insurance company may see you as likely to file another in the future. To offset the cost of that potential claim, your insurance company may charge you more for your policy.

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