Who to Call When Water Is Leaking From Your Ceiling
Nobody likes a rainy day—especially inside of your home
You’re enjoying a relaxing evening on the couch when suddenly, you feel the dreaded drip, drip, drip of water on your head. If you see water leaking from the ceiling or even spot signs of water, such as brown spots on the ceiling or a sagging ceiling, you’ll want to take care of the issue ASAP. Leaving moisture issues untreated can lead to further problems, such as rot, structural damage, and mold or mildew growth.
Wondering who to call for a water leak in the ceiling? Unfortunately, there could be a couple of right answers, including roofers and plumbers, depending on the problem. Narrowing down the cause can help you make an informed decision and set you on the path to a cozy and dry home.
Track the Leak to Know Who to Call
A leaking ceiling can have a few primary causes. Figuring out where the leak is coming from can help you narrow down the source of the problem and get the right pro on the phone.
Ceiling Damage on Top Floor
If you see signs of water in the ceiling on the top floor of your house, the leak might be from the roof. To assess the situation, grab a ladder, open the attic hatch, and stick your head up there. Are there signs of water damage like a mildew smell, brownish stains, or wet insulation? If so, you’ve likely got a roof leak on your hands.
If the leak is from the roof, hire a local roofer to assess the cause and prevent additional problems from a leaky roof. It could be that the seal around the chimney is worn, or your shingles have normal wear and tear. A recent storm could have also damaged the roof.
Ceiling Damage on Lower Levels
If you see water coming from the floor above, all signs point to a potential plumbing problem. A local plumber can track down the cause and recommend a fix.
Don’t rule out a plumbing issue even if the signs of water aren’t in the ceiling directly below a bathroom, laundry room, or kitchen. The water damage on the ceiling might be just under the water source, but it’s also possible for water to travel and pool up in a low spot of the ceiling. Light fixtures are a common low spot, so check those carefully for drips. It can also be tough to pinpoint exactly which bathroom fixture is leaking, so you should check for signs of a hidden water leak.
Look for signs of water leaks around toilets, in bathroom vanities, and under kitchen sinks. You can also look for water damage on baseboards as you try to track down the source of the problem.
Benefits of Hiring a Pro for a Ceiling Water Leak
Whether it’s a roof or plumbing issue, a professional is likely the best path forward during the water damage restoration process.
Pros of Calling a Roofing Pro
To fix your roof, you’ll want to call a roofing repair person rather than any other pro. They will have the equipment and expertise necessary to pinpoint the problem and recommend a fix. A roofing pro will also address the cause of the problem and not just repair the visual damage.
Pros of Calling a Plumbing Pro
When a plumbing problem causes ceiling damage, a plumber can assess a leaking fixture and get everything watertight again. Hiring a pro ensures that the problem won’t resurface down the road.
Who Else Should You Call for a Leak in Your Ceiling?
After addressing the cause of the ceiling water leak, you might also need a contractor or handyperson to repair the ceiling, as well as repair damaged drywall. When drywall gets saturated with water, you’ll need to replace it. On average, water damage repair costs $3,600.
Can I DIY a Roof Repair?
Diagnosing a leaky roof is best left to a roofing contractor. A DIY fix can lead to more issues. The most common causes of leaky roofs are:
Missing or damaged shingles: Whether it’s a few shingles or you need a total roof replacement, you’ll want to hire a roofing pro.
Damaged flashing: Flashing is the waterproof seal around roof elements like pipes, chimneys, and skylights. The repair is best left to a pro because precise cuts are required.
Ice dams: Snow melting and then refreezing can cause standing water on top of your roof, which can eventually lead to a leak. Hire a roofer to check your roof out to make sure everything is draining properly.
Inadequate roof slope: Low slopes can cause water pooling and inadequate runoff. A professional can assess the roof and determine if the shape needs to be changed.
Roofing work is dangerous, which is why you should never attempt to go up on the roof yourself. Plus, if damage results from a storm or accident, your homeowners' insurance may not cover work done yourself.
Instead of getting up on the roof, call a professional. While you wait, here are some steps you can and should do yourself if you notice your ceiling is dripping:
Move any valuables to a safe, dry place.
Position a bucket (or buckets) to catch excess water.
Lay a tarp to slow additional water from coming in.
Can I DIY a Plumbing Repair?
The first step to repairing a plumbing leak is to find the source of the problem. For instance, you might find a loose faucet or toilet that needs to be caulked or sealed. But for a more elusive leak, you might need to cut a hole in the ceiling to track down the source of the leak.
Unless you have DIY experience with drywall and plumbing, this is best left to a plumber. It shouldn’t be too expensive if the problem is simple; on average, the cost to repair a bathroom leak is $150 to $350.
Clearing a clogged sink, repairing a leaking shower pan, or caulking a toilet might stop the leak without professional help. Some seasonal maintenance can help you avoid plumbing leaks in the winter.
Can the Water Leak Be Covered by Homeowners Insurance?
In many cases, homeowners insurance can and does cover water leaks. If your plumbing is leaking because of an unexpected accident or breakdown, your policy likely covers the cost to remediate the problem. But if you simply haven’t been keeping up with appliance and fixture maintenance, you may not be able to get reimbursed for the repair.
Your homeowner's insurance may also cover a water leak from your roof, particularly if the leak was caused by storm damage. If the leak stems from simple wear and tear on your roof—that is, your roof is old and it’s about time to replace it—homeowners insurance likely won’t help.
Homeowners' insurance policies differ, so it’s always important to read yours thoroughly and contact your agent to better understand what is and isn’t covered. If your policy does cover the damage, make a water leak insurance claim as soon as possible to ensure fast remediation and reimbursement.
Be sure to review our water damage insurance claims tips before starting the claims process.
Questions to Ask Your Ceiling Leak Repair Pro
Whether you’re calling a roofer or a plumber, it’s wise to get recommendations from friends or a neighborhood group. You can also read online reviews. Once you’ve narrowed down your choices, call three professionals and get a bid on the price.
Make sure to ask a few questions, too, such as:
Do you have any references I can call?
Are you licensed and insured?
How long have you been doing this work?
Who will actually be doing the work?
How long will it take?
When will I be charged?
Once you get off the phone, call those references, check online reviews, and look for any complaints with the Better Business Bureau or local licensing bureau.
If you’re happy with your pro’s work, be sure to leave an online review to help others dealing with a stressful leak.