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Water damage on the ceiling

A stain on the ceiling is the end of the story, not the start. The water came from somewhere above it, and that is the first thing to find.

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The short version

Most likely source
A plumbing leak, a roof leak or an air conditioner drain above the stain.
Do first
Catch the water, relieve a bulging ceiling and stop the source if you can.
Call a company when
The ceiling sags, the stain is growing or the source is not obvious.

Water near a light fitting, an outlet or the panel? Do not touch electrical equipment while it is wet. Switch the power off only if you can reach the panel without standing in water. Otherwise call an electrician.Call (844) 817-0274

What you can do

  • Put a bucket under the drip and move furniture.
  • Shut off the water if a pipe or fixture is leaking.
  • Photograph the damage before anything is moved.
  • Run fans and open the room to start drying.

Call now when

  • The ceiling is sagging or bulging.
  • Water is running through a light fitting.
  • The stain keeps growing after rain or use of water.
  • There is a musty smell or visible mold.

Where the water comes from

  • Plumbing aboveA bathroom, a supply line or a drain over the stain. Stains that grow when water is used point here.
  • The roofStains that appear after rain, often near chimneys, vents and valleys.
  • Air conditioningA clogged condensate drain in the attic overflows onto the ceiling below.
  • CondensationPoorly insulated ducts or pipes in the attic can drip in humid weather.

What a restoration company will do

  1. Find and stop the source, or tell you which trade is needed.
  2. Measure how far the moisture has spread.
  3. Dry the area and remove ceiling material that cannot be saved.
  4. Repair or hand over to a contractor for the rebuild.

The EPA's guidance is to dry water-damaged areas and items "within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth." The clock starts when the leak does, not when you notice the stain.

Related guides

Sources

  • US Environmental Protection Agency: mold, moisture and your home
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: returning to a flooded home
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