If You Have a Ceiling Leak, Do Not Panic!

If You Have a Ceiling Leak, Do Not Panic!

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!
 
If You Have a Ceiling Leak, Do Not Panic!

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.

 

Tags:

Got a question? Just ask below no login needed!
You can leave an anonymous comment. I personally read and reply to every question.

Comments

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Prove your humanity: 9   +   6   =  

Have a question? Just ask — it’s easy!
All comments are moderated before they appear. Just type your question in the box above. Don’t worry about the name or email — fake info is fine if you’re shy.
If you use your real email, you should get a message when I respond (usually within 24 hours). I personally read and reply to every comment. No spam. Ever.

Send us an email!

We do not work in the City of Buffalo. We ask for your town for scheduling purposes
If your having repair work done and your walls or ceilings are textured, Please save a piece of the wall/ceiling for texture matching purposes. Popcorn excluded.


Please note that we work primarily in northern Erie, and southern Niagara Counties.

14032 (8) 14051 (6) 14086 (10) 14217 (6) 14221 (13) 14226 (9) Amherst NY. (18) Clarence NY. (11) Kenmore NY. (7) Lancaster NY. (10) Newstead NY. (6) Williamsville NY. (14)

Contact us


Call or Text:

Case Studies by Location




Looking for something?