There are two main reasons you could experience water leaking from ceilings: Either there is an issue with your plumbing, such as a damaged pipe or leaking shower. Or there is an issue with your roof, such as a hole or overflowing gutters. Where and when your ceiling is leaking can offer good evidence as to the cause.
Call for help! Even if the water leak appears quite small, there may be more damage you can't see. If the leak is big it's probably still a good idea to call in a professional, so they can assess the wider damage.
Call a plumber or roofer.
Even if you can't spot the exact source of a leak, the weather outside is a good indicator of what type of leak you have. If it's raining, you probably have a roof leak. If there's no rain, you probably have a plumbing leak.
Inspect the roof itself, looking for raised, missing or damaged shingles. You should also inspect the joints around the roof and the flashing around pipes and vents for a tight seal. Plumbing leaks can cause ceiling leaks in areas beside or below them. If the dampness doesn't dry out, suspect a leaky pipe.
A ceiling leak can also be caused by leaks in the water supply lines that attach to the toilet or to the sink trap. The leak may come from water seeping out at the point where the water supply lines join together, or maybe the drainpipes' connector joints aren't joined tightly enough.
Most homeowners know a burst pipe by a rush of water leaking from a wall or ceiling, but it's not always that dramatic. Either way, it's still a plumbing emergency. A burst pipe can release gallons of water, which can compromise the structural integrity of your home, such as collapsed ceilings and weakened walls.
If your roof or ceiling leaks due to a covered peril, the associated damage should be covered under your homeowners insurance policy. Most home insurance policies have an open perils claims basis, which means unless coverage is specifically excluded, then it is included.
This is an instance when you'll want to get to the root of the problem, not just address the cosmetic damage. If left unresolved, water leaking from the ceiling can result in structural damage, mold, electrical issues or more.
Water stains, which often present as dark, yellow or rust-colored. Sagging, bowed ceilings. Mold growth (look out for corners especially) Hairline cracks (or a pattern, which indicates a bigger issue)
Structural Risks of a Leaking Roof
If the room you are sleeping in has advanced dry rot due to a neglected leak, your plaster or drywall ceiling is likely very weak and could fall in on you. Large pieces could cause injury, while small pieces could be ingested, inhaled, or get in your eyes.
Be aware that if the leak is significant, there is a chance that a section of the ceiling could collapse and this will cause significant damage.
Leaks of any kind can cause water damage to your ceiling. One of the easiest ways to know if you have water damage on the ceiling is to look for stains or discoloration. Usually, these will look like spots and can be any shape or size. Typically, they are brown, copper, yellow, or rusty colored.
Water-damaged ceilings are high-priority issues that lead to rot, mold and a weaker house frame. Leaks must be fixed, and water-damaged ceilings repaired, as soon as possible.
To find the true source of the leak, you'll need access to the attic. Once there, a quick visual scan may show you where the leak is. Look for water damage on the underside of the roof. The wood may be stained a dark color, or there could be signs of light or dark colored mold growing on the wood.
Most people don't realize that it's not just serious water damage, such as flooding or a visible leak that leads to mold. Any kind of leak that isn't properly fixed can cause mold to grow. Mold isn't something that takes a long time to grow either.
The best way to address a wet ceiling is to get it dry as soon as you spot the problem. The prime window to mitigate damage is within 48 to 72 hours of discovery. If you can start the drying process in this time frame, you will stand a much better chance of stopping mold before it can begin to grow and prevent warping.
If water leaks through a ceiling and into a light bulb socket, it can cause a short circuit, leading to potential electrical hazards, equipment malfunction, or even an electrical fire.
As mentioned earlier, ceiling leakage is not an issue that only concerns you. Dealing with this problem usually concerns three parties: the HDB and the owners of the upper and lower flat. For cases of ceiling leaks between the upper and lower floor flats, both owners share the responsibility of having it fixed.
Only once you've established the issue – and resolved it – are you in a position to fix your water-damaged ceiling. More often than not, it's a good idea to replace the damaged or affected piece of drywall to maintain the integrity of your ceiling.
Homeowners insurance doesn't usually cover mold damage or removal unless it's the result of a covered peril. If the mold in your residence was caused by something sudden or accidental, such as a bursting pipe or some other covered incident on your policy, you may be protected.
Even a minor pipe leak can cause serious damage to ceilings, carpet, and hardwood flooring. A leak can leave visible water stains and other damage that's irreversible, plus it can cause mold, which is hazardous to your health. Lastly, it can cause structural damage.
If not contained or stopped, a water damage leak can lead to more extensive problems beyond cosmetic ceiling stains, including compromising the home's structure and causing mold to develop. The right pro can help you solve the problem. Get free, no-commitment project estimates from experts near you.
If you see bubbling paint, mold growth or any other signs of water damage to your ceiling, then you must call experts right away. Prolonging repairs of wet ceilings is simply calling for trouble.
A ceiling will dry out after a leak within two to four weeks. The time it takes to dry out will depend on the level of saturation in the area. Make sure you have stopped the leak at its source before leaving the area to dry out.