A leaking ceiling indicates that there is an issue with your home's plumbing or roof.
If you detect these issues in your ceiling, you'll need to determine the cause of the problem before attempting to fix it yourself or call a plumber to do so.
Why Your Ceiling May Be Leaking
The following are some of the most common causes of ceiling leaks. It is better to check them out!
Leaky Toilet
Toilet leaks can occur from the water or supply tank, but the worn wax ring is one of the most severe water leaks that can cause ceiling damage.
When you flush, water seeps through the wax ring and may run behind walls, trickling down pipes, and causing water damage to your ceiling. This causes wet spots on the drywall by moistening it.
Leaky Shower
Because all of the plumbing is buried in a wall and surrounded by tiles, shower leaks may be difficult to detect at first.
If the tiles or flooring surrounding the shower are peeling or curling, an upstairs shower could be the source of your ceiling leak. Caulking that has deteriorated or holes in water supply lines could be the source of the problem.
Leaky Sink
It's possible that you won't notice your sink is leaking until there's a puddle of water on the floor. The cabinet doors may be shattered and moldy at the bottom at that time. It's possible that the source of the water leaking from your sink is:
- Hoses for water supply
- Caulk that is broken
- P-trap connectors that aren't tightly connected
- A strainer that needs to be replaced or one that is loose.
Leaky Roof
Your roof could be leaking for a variety of reasons. The following are some of the most common reasons:
- Holes
- shingles that are missing or damaged
- Gutter issues
- Valleys and ridge tops
- Chimneys, skylights, and vents
Roof leaks usually result in larger water spots on your ceiling, which brown and mildew quickly if not addressed. When it rains, the puddle may become larger, and water may run down your walls. You may need to climb up onto your roof to inspect the situation more thoroughly and determine what is causing the leak.
What Should I Do About Water Leaking Through My Ceiling?
The longer the leak goes unchecked, the higher the chance of significant water damage to your house. If you detect any of these indicators, you must immediately stop the water leak to avoid more water damage. However, what if you don't know where the leak is coming from? The first step is to locate the leak's source.
A roofing problem is another major cause of ceiling leaks. Roof repair is a complicated, specialized work that should be left to the pros. Consider hiring a professional tarp-over service to protect your home from water damage until a professional roofer can come out and fix the problem.
Why Would Water Be Coming Through Ceiling?
Water leaks from the ceiling are typically caused by plumbing issues or a leaking roof. The majority of ceiling water damage is caused by slow leaks that cause yellowish-brown water spots. While water spots on the ceiling may not appear to be a major concern, a large leak can cause water to pour through your ceiling in minutes.
How To Repair Ceiling Water Leak (DIY)
If the damage to your ceiling is small, you might be able to dry it out. You'll still need to fix the water source, but you'll save time and money if you do it this way. If water has leaked through your ceiling or there is considerable damage, you will need to fix that as well.
Above are the steps how to repair ceiling water leak;
- Find and fix the leaks
The first step is to locate and repair the water source. Repairing ceiling water damage without first repairing the leak would just cause more issues in the future. Furthermore, the longer you delay to solve the situation, the more harm you will incur.
- Dry out a Wet Ceiling
Then, dry out the damp ceiling. This will help to avoid mold and limit the amount of damage that occurs. While ordinary home fans will help to dry your ceiling, it may take days or even weeks.
Instead, for the quickest drying period, use high-volume fans and a structural drying dehumidifier. Most equipment rental firms will have them on hand.
Make sure the fans are aimed at the ceiling and, if possible, increase them. Place the dehumidifier under the damp ceiling and empty it on a regular basis. Make sure the ceiling and the wood joists on the interior are completely dry.
Drying a water-damaged ceiling might take anywhere from six hours to a full day with the correct equipment. To detect if it's really dry, don't rely on your sight or touch. To make sure it's completely dry, use a moisture meter.
- Repair the Water Damaged Ceiling
You can usually fix minor ceiling water damage without replacing the drywall or plaster. To begin, use a brush to scrape the ceiling to remove any loose material. Then wipe it clean with a moist cloth and air dry.
Plaster or drywall mud can be used to fill in minor gaps and fissures. Use a putty knife to fill gaps less than half an inch wide and provide a smooth finish. Fill in any larger gaps first, then sand them smooth.
You may need to cut pieces of the ceiling removed if there is significant damage. To create straight cuts in drywall ceilings, use a box cutter or a drywall saw.
After that, cut a new piece of drywall to fit the hole and screw it into the joists. To make your ceiling smooth, mud and tape the joints.
You'll need to replace the lathe or backing material if you want to plaster. Then, in thin layers, apply the plaster, letting each layer to cure before continuing. Continue layering until the new section's texture matches the old one.
- Seal and Paint
After the mud or plaster has dried, apply a sealing primer to the damaged area. This will not only prevent water stains and spots from forming, but it will also prevent the ceiling from absorbing paint. It will take many more coats of paint if you don't use priming.
Before applying your top coat, apply at least two coats of primer. You can feather the top coat into the old paint for tiny parts. For bigger areas of the ceiling, however, painting the entire ceiling is easier.
How Much Does Water Damaged Ceiling Repair Cost?
Ceiling repair costs after a water leak usually range between $900 and $1,800.
However, is determined by the source of the leak, the extent of the ceiling water damage, and the materials used. Furthermore, most ceiling leak repairs are covered by homeowner's insurance.