Guides & Tools
Who to Call for Ceiling Water Damage
Short answer
Call the professional who can stop the water first: a plumber for pipes, fixtures and appliances, a roofer for rain leaks, or an HVAC technician for condensate. Then call a water damage restoration company to dry the ceiling and remove damaged material, and a drywall contractor or the restoration company to rebuild it. Add an electrician if water reached wiring or fixtures.
Who does what
| Professional | Handles | Does not usually handle |
|---|---|---|
| Plumber | Supply and drain leaks, toilets, tubs, showers, water heaters | Drying, drywall and paint |
| Roofer | Roof, flashing, vents, emergency tarps | Interior drying and repair |
| HVAC technician | Condensate lines, drain pans, float switches, duct sweating | Ceiling repair |
| Electrician | Wet fixtures, boxes and circuits; safe restoration of power | Leak or ceiling repair |
| Water damage restoration company | Assessment, extraction, drying, controlled removal, documentation | Fixing the leak itself |
| Drywall contractor | New drywall, taping, finishing, texture | Drying or leak repair |
| Mold remediation company | Containment and removal of mold-affected materials | Leak repair |
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
The usual order
- Emergency services if there is a fire, electrical arcing, a gas smell, or injury.
- The trade that stops the water.
- An electrician if water reached wiring or fixtures.
- A restoration company to dry and remove damaged material.
- Your insurance company, if you plan to file a claim (often in parallel with step 4).
- A drywall contractor and painter for the rebuild, or the restoration company if it does rebuild.
What to tell each professional on the first call
- Where the damage is and what is directly above it (bathroom, attic, laundry, roof).
- When it started and whether it changes with rain, fixture use or the air conditioner.
- Whether the ceiling is sagging, soft or dripping, and whether water is near light fixtures.
- Whether the water could be contaminated (toilet, drain, flood).
- What you have already done: water shut off, circuit off, insulation pulled back.
- Photos with dates, which help the contractor bring the right equipment and help any insurance claim.
If you do not know the source
Start with the leak source finder. If it is still unclear, a restoration company can map the wet area, and a plumber or leak detection specialist can test lines.
Frequently asked questions
Who do I call when water comes through my ceiling?
First the trade that stops the water: a plumber, roofer or HVAC technician. Then a water damage restoration company for drying and removal. If water touched wiring or fixtures, have an electrician check them.
Who checks the wiring after water reaches a ceiling light?
A licensed electrician. Leave that circuit off at the breaker until the fixture, box and wiring have been inspected and dried, and do not reinstall a fixture that was full of water without that check.
Should I call my insurance company first?
Stop the water and make the home safe first. Then document the damage and contact your insurer promptly, ideally before major repairs. Many policies require reasonable steps to prevent further damage.
Can one company handle everything?
Some restoration companies coordinate the whole job, including subcontracting trades and rebuild. Others focus on drying and removal. Ask what is included.
Related guides
- Guides & ToolsLeak source finderA step-by-step decision tree for narrowing down where the water comes from.
- ServicesCeiling water damage repairEnd-to-end professional repair: inspection, drying, removal, rebuild and finishing.
- EmergencyEmergencyActive leaks, bulging ceilings and water near lights: the safe sequence of steps.
- CausesPlumbing leakSupply and drain leaks between floors: telling them apart, shutting them off, and repair.
Also referenced in
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