Water Leaking Through Ceiling: What to Do

If you have a leak, it’s important to find the source of the leak and stop the water flow as soon as you can. If not, your home will be at risk for major water damage. Here’s what to do when water leaks through the ceiling and how to stop it.

What to Do When Water Leaks Through the Ceiling: Where to Check

When you have water leaking through the floor from an upstairs bathroom and you’re not sure where it’s coming from, you need to check three plumbing fixtures: the toilet, the tub/ shower, and the sink. 

Check the Toilet

If you do not see water on the floor around the toilet, a leak around the wax ring could be allowing water to leak straight into the subfloor.

The seal between your toilet and floor is called a wax ring. A faulty or worn-down wax ring can allow water to leak into your subfloor and ceiling each time a toilet is flushed. Bad wax ring symptoms include water on the floor near the base of the toilet and an unpleasant odor of sewer gas. 

Check the Shower

If the leak is occurring while the water is running, the problem is most likely a damaged tile in the shower or the shower faucet behind the wall. If the leak continues even after the shower is no longer running, the leak is most likely coming from a water supply pipe inside the wall or the subfloor.

Check the Sink

A leaky sink is often the result of issues with the gaskets or washers in the faucet or drain assembly. Gaskets are a flat seal, usually rubber or plastic, between two surfaces, such as the base of the faucet assembly and the vanity top. A washer is a circular seal used beneath screws in a faucet assembly. If either a gasket, washer, or O-ring is worn down or damaged, it can allow water to leak because it’s no longer forming a secure seal.

Additionally, your drain assembly may also contain gaskets and washers at the connection points between pipes under your sink bowl. Check that these pieces aren’t loose, and be sure to tighten any loose connections to ensure a good seal.

How to Stop Water From Leaking Through the Ceiling

Here’s a list of immediate steps you can take if water is leaking through your ceiling:

• Shut off the water supply to stop the leak at its source, especially if it’s from a plumbing line.
• Move furniture and valuables out of the affected area to prevent damage.
• Place buckets or containers under the leak to catch dripping water.
• Puncture a small hole in the bulging ceiling area (with caution) to let water drain in a controlled way and prevent a sudden collapse.
• Turn off electricity in the affected area if water is near light fixtures, outlets, or wiring.
• Locate the source of the leak (roof, pipe, or appliance) so a plumber or roofer can address it quickly.
• Call a professional plumber (or roofer if it’s roof-related) to repair the issue and prevent further damage.
• Dry the area thoroughly with fans or dehumidifiers to reduce mold growth.
  
  

Water Leaked Through Your Ceiling? Roto-Rooter Can Help

If you cannot find the source of the water leak or have found yourself in over your head, we invite you to reach out to your local Roto-Rooter.  Our plumbing and water experts are fully trained and ready to fix any leak and prevent water damage. Call us today at 800-768-6911 to schedule an appointment.

FAQs on Water Leaking Through a Ceiling

Who to call when water is leaking from the ceiling?

If water is leaking through your ceiling, call a licensed plumber right away. If the leak has caused extensive water damage, you may also need to contact a water damage restoration company and your insurance provider.

Can a ceiling collapse from a leak?

Yes. If water continues to build up and saturate the ceiling material, it can weaken the structure and lead to a partial or full collapse.

Is a ceiling water leak an emergency?

Yes. A ceiling leak should always be treated as an emergency because it can quickly damage your home’s structure, electrical wiring, and belongings. Acting fast to shut off the water supply and call a plumber can prevent further damage.