If you've got water dripping from your ceiling, you have a serious problem. Water damage can quickly cause problems, not only for your drywall but also for the structural integrity of your home. If you have a ceiling water leak, it's important to narrow down the causes and know what to do. Our local Mississauga plumber shares some insights on the common causes and signs to look out for, and what you can do about a water leak from the ceiling.
As a homeowner, it's crucial to pinpoint where the leak is coming from. It could be from your roof, plumbing on an upper floor, or an appliance. However, a leaking ceiling also needs to be investigated. The expert team at Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Mississauga has weighed in with tips on what to look out for and what the common causes are.
Common Causes of a Ceiling Water Leak
The two most common reasons why there is a leak in the ceiling can be traced back to a plumbing issue or a problem relating to your roof. Checking your attic space can help you pinpoint the source of the leak. Ceiling leaks spread fast and can quickly cause damage. Here are the frequent causes of a ceiling water leak:
Plumbing Issues
A ceiling water leak in Mississauga can be due to damaged plumbing, such as a leaky pipe or other plumbing fixtures:
- Leaking pipes in your walls or ceiling
- Burst water supply lines
- Faulty pipe fittings
- Frozen pipes that have burst
- Aging pipes affected by corrosion
- Leaking bathroom fixtures (i.e., toilets, sinks, showers)
Often, you need to call a professional plumber if your ceiling is leaking to pinpoint the cause. But do you need to call a plumber or a roof expert for a water leak in the ceiling? That's the question. Investigate your attic spaces and upstairs bathrooms to see if you can trace the source of the water.
Roof-Related Issues
Another common reason why you might have water dripping from the ceiling is because of your roof or a roof-related issue. The most common causes of a ceiling water leak due to roof damage include:
- Damaged or missing shingles
- An improperly ventilated roof
- Openings or gaps around vents or your chimney
- An aging roof that needs replacement
- Storm damage
Roof leaks are just as serious as plumbing leaks, so it's important that you address them promptly. Structural damage can quickly become a problem, so ensure that you call a professional roof expert if you notice issues with your roof or following a major storm.
Other Major Causes
Plumbing and roof-related issues aren't the only cause of a ceiling water leak. Dripping water from your ceiling can have other causes, so it's worth a little bit of investigation. Other causes of a ceiling water leak include:
- HVAC Problems: If you have an air conditioning unit, then a ceiling water leak could be caused by clogged condensate lines or a malfunctioning AC unit.
- Gutter Clogs: Your gutters are designed to collect and direct water away from your roof. Clogged gutters overflow, trapping water and causing moisture to seep into your roof, which then trickles down into your home.
- Appliance Leaks: Depending on where your appliances are, you could have a leak caused by a washing machine, dishwasher, or refrigerator. This could be due to hidden issues with the water supply or drainage lines.
- Weather Conditions: During extreme weather, like heavy rain or melting snow, can lead to water infiltrating your home.
Warning Signs of a Water Leak from Ceiling
Knowing the causes of a ceiling water leak is only half the battle. You also need to know the signs of water leaks. Water stains are the most obvious sign, but there are other signs to keep your eyes peeled for that indicate it's time to call for a water leak detection service from your local Mississauga plumber.
Top warning signs of a possible ceiling water leak include:
- Staining on drywall or plaster
- Flaking or peeling paint
- Ceiling sags
- Continuous or intermittent water drips
- Increased humidity levels at home
If you have water leaking through the ceiling, ceiling damage is one of your major concerns. You might overlook a minor leak, but you shouldn't ignore the signs of a leaking ceiling. That's because even a minor leak can lead to extensive and expensive water damage, which causes and encourages mould growth. It's crucial to address a ceiling water leak promptly by reaching out to a water damage restoration professional to remediate the damage.
Here’s What to Do About a Ceiling Water Leak
If you want to prevent further damage to your home, you need to determine where the leak is. The source of a leak will tell you who you need to contact about your ceiling water leak. Given that plumbing issues are the most common, you're going to need a professional plumber for a leaking pipe repair (or frozen pipe repair, if you catch that early enough).
Suspect that a leaking pipe is causing your ceiling water leak? Follow the steps below:
- Turn off the main water supply immediately, either close to the source or for the entire house.
- Place a bucket under the leak to catch dripping water.
- Dry the affected area as much as possible.
- Look for signs of water damage.
- Discontinue using plumbing fixtures above the leak.
- Contact your local Mississauga plumber immediately for an inspection and repair service.
Even if you manage to temporarily stop your ceiling water leak, you need to have a professional come in and assess the situation. They will be able to find the source of the leak and minimize further ceiling water damage.
Got a Ceiling Water Leak? Mississauga Resients — Call Mr. Rooter Plumbing Now
Burst pipes behind walls and ceilings are a major cause of a leaky ceiling. If you notice water stains on the ceiling, you can trust our pros to handle the ceiling water leak.
To prevent water damage and costly structural damage, please call us or contact us online at Mr. Rooter Plumbing for a professional plumbing repair. Whether you’re in Mississauga or the surrounding areas of Erin Mills, Clarkson, or Mineola, our plumbing team has you covered.
