What Causes Water Damage on a Ceiling?
Water reaches a ceiling in one of three ways: from outside through the roof or walls, from plumbing, fixtures and appliances above, or by condensing out of humid air. Identifying which one is the most important step, because the leak has to stop before the ceiling can be repaired.
Each guide follows the same chain: source of water, path of moisture, ceiling symptom, damage, and solution.
Roof leakStains that appear after rain: flashing, vents, shingles, ice dams and how water travels to the ceiling.
Plumbing leakSupply and drain leaks between floors: telling them apart, shutting them off, and repair.
Upstairs bathroom leakStains under a bathroom: testing each fixture to find which one is leaking.- Toilet overflowContaminated water from toilets: why it changes the cleanup and what has to be removed.Severity 5/5 · Emergency
- Shower leakGrout, caulk, valve, pan or drain: isolating a shower leak.
- Bathtub leakOverflow gaskets, drain shoes, spout and caulk: how tubs leak and how to test them.
HVAC condensationAttic air handlers, clogged condensate lines, overflowing pans and sweating ducts.- Water heater leakAttic and upper-floor water heaters: tank failure, relief valves and drain pans.
- Appliance leakUpstairs washing machines, dishwashers and ice-maker lines leaking to the floor below.
- Storm damageWind-driven rain, fallen trees, hail and hurricanes: ceiling leaks after severe weather.
Source, timing and who to call
Not sure which applies? Use the leak source finder.
| Source | When damage appears | Who stops it |
|---|---|---|
| Roof and storm | During or after rain | Roofer |
| Supply plumbing | Constantly, even with no water use | Plumber |
| Bathroom fixtures and drains | After showers, baths, flushes | Plumber or tile contractor |
| AC condensate | In cooling season | HVAC technician |
| Water heater and appliances | Any time; often sudden | Plumber or appliance technician |
Who should you call?
- Pipe, fixture or appliance leakPlumber
- Roof or storm leakRoofer
- AC condensate overflowHVAC technician
- Water near wiring or fixturesElectrician
- Wet building materialsRestoration professional
- Damaged drywall after dryingDrywall contractor
- Mold growthMold remediation company
Not sure what you are looking at?
Describe the damage and we will point you to the right next step.