Ceiling Water Damage
A stain, a drip or a bulging ceiling all mean water is somewhere it shouldn't be. Here's how to find the source and what to do if the ceiling is sagging.
Ceiling sagging or bulging? Get people and pets out from under it, move furniture and electronics away, and put a bucket underneath. Turn off power to light fixtures in that area. A water-filled ceiling can come down suddenly.
Common causes
Upstairs bathroomToilet seals, tub and shower drains, supply lines
Roof leaksStorm damage, flashing and clogged gutters
HVAC in the atticClogged condensate lines and overflowing drain pans in summer
Frozen attic pipesLines in unheated attics bursting during a freeze
What to do
- Stop the source if you canShut off the main water if it's plumbing. Check the attic with a flashlight if it's safe.
- Protect the roomClear furniture, lay down plastic or towels and set out buckets.
- Turn off powerTo ceiling lights and fans in the affected area.
- DocumentPhotos of the stain, the sag and any source you find.
- Call a professionalDon't poke the ceiling yourself unless water is about to break through and you know what you're doing.
How ceiling water damage is repaired
- Find and fix the source (plumber, roofer or HVAC tech)
- Moisture readings to see how far water spread across the ceiling and into walls
- Remove soaked drywall and wet insulation above it
- Dry the framing with dehumidifiers and air movers
- Replace drywall, then prime with a stain-blocking primer and paint
Don't just paint over a stain. If the source isn't fixed and the area isn't dry, the stain comes back, and mold can grow above the drywall where you can't see it.
See also: water heater leaks · signs of hidden water damage · costs
Frequently asked questions
Can a water-stained ceiling be saved?
Small, dry stains can sometimes be sealed with stain-blocking primer once the source is fixed. Drywall that got soaked, sagged or crumbled usually needs to be replaced.
Why is my ceiling leaking only in summer?
Often it's the AC. Attic air handlers produce condensation, and a clogged condensate line or overflowing pan can drip through the ceiling.
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