If you notice water leaking from the ceiling, don’t panic. Taking action can reduce the damage, and the right pro can get your home looking like new. Discover common causes of leaky ceilings, explore immediate steps to take, and learn how to find the right water damage restoration specialist to repair your ceiling leak.
Table of Contents
Identifying the Source of the Leak
The most common causes of water coming through the ceiling are leaky roofs, broken pipes, and problems with your HVAC system.
Leaky roof
If you live in an older home, there’s a higher chance that your roof is suffering from some wear and tear. Damaged roof components, such as old flashing or missing shingles, can allow rainwater to enter, leading to a wet ceiling.
A damaged roof is also a common cause of leaks following a storm. Heavy wind and weather can tear up your shingles or knock down a tree, potentially damaging your roof.
Depending on the extent of the damage and the slope of your roof, you may be able to see the damage. In other cases, you may need to call a roofing pro to get on top of your roof for a thorough examination.
Broken plumbing
Many plumbing issues can lead to a leaky ceiling, from corroded pipes to a blocked drain. Older homes are more prone to damage due to aging pipes, which can develop issues such as rust and corrosion. If you live in a cold area, frozen pipes also run the risk of bursting and flooding your home.
Even in new homes, plumbing problems can still lead to leaks. An issue with the grout or sealant around your shower can cause a leak, which may spread to the ceiling. Faulty appliances, such as dishwashers and washing machines, can also leak.
HVAC issues
When your AC is functioning properly, it removes any excess water. However, an issue with your HVAC system can lead to a buildup of condensation, which may cause leaks. You can usually see the condensation, so a basic visual examination is a good starting point if you suspect the leak is caused by an HVAC problem.
Immediate Steps To Take
If you notice water leaking from the ceiling, start by following these essential steps.
Step one: Catch the water
The first step when you notice a ceiling leak is to contain the water. Place a bucket or other container underneath the leak to prevent water from damaging the floors or furniture.
Step two: Turn off the water and appliances
Try to minimize ongoing damage by turning off the water supply. The main water shut-off valve controls water going to your plumbing, which is helpful if you suspect a burst pipe or other issue. If you suspect the problem may be caused by your HVAC system or an appliance, turn them off as well.
If you’re sure that the ceiling leak is caused by damage to the roof, you can skip this step.
Step three: Conduct a visual examination
Walk around the area and try to find the source of the leak. If you need to go upstairs to check, be careful — an extensive leak may compromise the structural integrity of your home. If you’re not sure if there’s widespread water damage that impacts the safety of your floor or ceiling, it’s safer to leave the examination to a professional.
Step four: Call a pro
Contact a professional water damage restoration specialist. It’s best to address this issue promptly, especially if you’re unsure what’s causing the leak. The longer it’s left unaddressed, the more damage it can do to your home.
Step five: Document the damage
While you wait for the pro to arrive, take pictures of the water damage and note any observations you’ve made so you can provide a comprehensive record for your insurance claim.
Choosing the Right Professional
Depending on the cause of the water leak, you may need to contact different professionals to get your home back in order.
Roofer
If the leak is coming from your roof, you’ll need to call a professional roofer to fix the damage. They can access your roof to conduct a thorough inspection, repair any holes caused by fallen trees or other issues, and install new shingles to waterproof your roof.
Plumber
For leaks caused by burst pipes, corrosion, and other plumbing problems, a licensed plumber is the one to call. They can safely access the leak and repair the plumbing issue that’s causing the water damage.
HVAC technician
If your HVAC system is causing excess condensation that’s leaking through your ceiling, you’ll need an HVAC technician. They can repair your heating or air conditioning unit to prevent the issue from happening again.
Water damage restoration specialist
No matter the cause of the original leak, you’ll need a water damage restoration specialist to restore your home. These pros handle everything from burst pipes to leaky appliances, providing professional water extraction services to dry the entire area.
With expert knowledge and technology, they’ll quickly dry your carpets, floors, ceilings, and furniture. Hiring a water damage restoration pro is also important for safety concerns, such as repairing structural damage and eliminating mold growth caused by excess water.
Contact Restorerz 24/7 for Professional Water Damage Restoration
Wondering who to call for water damage in your ceiling? Discover reliable local experts with Restorerz professional water damage restoration. Our pros are on hand 24/7 to solve all your water damage issues, from leaky roofs to burst pipes and broken HVAC systems. We serve Los Angeles and the surrounding area, so you can always get support when you need it.
Contact us today for emergency water damage restoration or book an appointment to fix your home’s water damage.