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.
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.
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.

As the author of The Carrigan Archives, Dave shares expert insights on home improvement, ceiling 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.
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.
For 15 consecutive years, Carrigan Painting has maintained an unprecedented 5-star reputation—an achievement nearly unmatched in the industry.
Almost all of the work we have completed since early 2024 has been posted to this Archive.
We do not believe in using AI to create content when we create amazing content every day.
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