Water Dripping From the Ceiling: What to Do in the First 10 Minutes
Water through a ceiling is one of the few plumbing problems where the first ten minutes really matter. Here's the order of operations.
Right now
- Kill power to any lights or fans in the wet area at the breaker.
- Shut off the main water valve — usually at the meter or where the line enters the house. If the drip stops within a few minutes, it's a pressurized supply leak.
- Put a bucket under it and poke a small hole in the center of any bulge so the water drains in a controlled spot instead of collapsing the whole ceiling.
- Move furniture and electronics out from under it.
Plumbing leak or roof leak?
If it's raining and the drip started with the rain, suspect the roof. If it's dry outside, or the stain is below a bathroom, kitchen or laundry, it's plumbing: a supply line, a failed tub drain, a toilet wax ring or a burst pipe.
What we do
Our leak detection plumbers use moisture meters and thermal imaging to pinpoint the source, open the smallest possible section of drywall, and repair it the same visit. A gushing leak is a burst pipe emergency — call 24/7 at (888) 809-6756.
Need it fixed today? Call Crosby Plumbing Inc at (888) 809-6756 — 24/7, anywhere in Florida.