ceiling painting Blog ceiling repairs drywall ceiling repair plaster ceiling repair Water Damage Ceiling Repair

If You Have a Ceiling Leak, Do Not Panic!

February 6, 2024

Dave Carrigan Jr

A ceiling leak is an emergency.

Poke a hole in the ceiling!

Step 1: Poke a hole in the ceiling and let the water out

Step 2: Identify the source of the leak

Step 3: Call a roofer for a roof leak, or a plumber for a plumbing leak.

Step 4: Call us 716-697-3560 to repair the water damage drywall or plaster and to paint. We work with all insurance companies.

Use a bucket or similar to collect the water. Then locate the source of the water leak.
If its a roof leak, in which case there is a high probability that the actual leak is elsewhere, and is dripping off framing above the ceiling at that spot. For instance, say the leak is near the peak of the roof, the water may be running down the back of the roof sheathing, and when the water hits a roofing nail, drips off onto the ceiling 20 feet away above the living room ceiling, where it pools and eventually soaks through to the finished side in the form of drips.

ceiling repair & painting in East Amherst, NY

If its a plumbing leak, the actual leak is typically in close proximity to the ceiling damage. Turn the water off! Is there a bathroom above, or with in say 5-10 feet of where the water is dripping? Often the drain trap on the tub will develop a small leak. Or it could be the wax seal on the toilet (stop using the toilet if possible until the source of the leak is

identified)

The first sign of a problem is usually an ugly brown stain on your ceiling. If the leak is not repaired, the water damage to the ceiling will get progressively worse. It is advisable to not open the ceiling unless you are prepared to deal with the hole right away, especially if its a roof leak. If you open the ceiling in hopes of discovering where the roof is leaking from, you must cover the hole with something until you can get the ceiling repaired. A hole in your ceiling will act like a chimney and suck all the heat out of your home unless you cover it with something. Don’t forget about the insulation above the ceiling that you will also need to contend with!

An ugly brown stain, looks better than a hole. Its also easier to ignore a brown spot than it is a hole thats allowing ice cold air to pour into your cozy warm house!

The picture below was from a toilet leak. The supply line for the upstairs toilet broke. Luckily they caught it pretty fast as this could have been much worse, most of this is cosmetic. We repaired the pealing paint, then primed and painted the ceiling.

Ceiling Repairs

Dave Carrigan Jr

With over 25 years of experience in residential construction, Dave specializes in ceiling repairs and high-end interior painting, often exceeding contractual obligations to ensure the highest level of craftsmanship. His ability to maintain exceptional customer satisfaction in such a demanding field is a testament to his expertise, integrity, and dedication to quality.

Dave Carrigan Jr. is the owner of Carrigan Painting, a 5-star-rated residential painting and plaster repair company serving the first- and second-ring northern suburbs of Buffalo, NY. For 15 consecutive years, Carrigan Painting has maintained a perfect 5-star reputation—an achievement nearly unmatched in the industry.

As the author of The Painter’s Plastering Blog, Dave shares expert insights on home improvement, plaster restoration, and industry trends. He also personally manages Carrigan Painting’s website and YouTube channel, providing homeowners with valuable resources and a firsthand look at the company’s craftsmanship.

Explore Carrigan Painting’s work:
🔹 Interior Painting | 🔹 Ceiling Repairs | 🔹 Plaster Repair | 🔹 Drywall Repair

Carrigan Painting’s F.A.Q. here.

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