Ceiling Leak, 3 Ways to Fix It + Tips for Preventing Severe Damage

A ceiling leak can be detected by peeling paint, dripping water, and discoloration of the ceiling. 

There may be another problem with your home’s plumbing or roof when your ceiling leaks.

In order to fix the problem yourself or have a plumber fix it for you, you’ll need to identify the source of the problem.

The Things You Should Do Before You Call a Plumber

If you suspect a ceiling leak, there are a few things you should do before calling a plumber.

Clear the Area

You may be causing damage to any belongings you have under the leaking ceiling. If you have furniture, electronics, clothes, or any other valuables in the area, make sure that there is no further damage from the water.

As a result of clearing the area, your plumber can directly access the area of the ceiling that is leaking. By using a ladder or step stool, you can assess the problem.

Get a Bucket

Placing a bucket under the affected area will catch the dripping water from your ceiling once you have cleared the area. You can use this method to prevent further damage to your flooring and to determine how much water is leaking out. 

It may seem that water continually streams or only at certain times – for instance, after flushing the toilet or running the shower.

See If You Can Stop the Source of Water

It may be possible to use a shut off valve to stop water from flowing into the affected pipe or pipes that are leaking from your ceiling. Additionally, you may notice that the water is only leaking from certain toilets, showers, sinks, or washing machines. 

In the meantime, you may want to stop using water at the source of the problem until the problem is fixed to prevent further damage to your ceiling, floors, or walls. 

Why Your Ceiling May Be Leaking

Here are some common causes of ceiling leaks.

Toilet Leak

Water leaks in toilets can come from the water tank or the supply tank, but some of the most dangerous water leaks in ceilings occur from the worn wax ring.

In the event of a flush, water may seep through the wax ring, dripping down the downpipes, and causing water damage to the ceiling. The drywall becomes moist, producing wet spots.  

Shower Leak

Shower leaks may be difficult to detect at first since all the plumbing is buried behind a wall and surrounded by tiles. 

When the tiles or flooring near your shower are peeling or curling, you may have a ceiling leak caused by an upstairs shower. A hole in the water supply line could be caused by worn out caulking.

Sink Leak

When there is water pooling on the floor, you may not notice that your sink is leaking. A damaged and moldy bottom can occur by that point. You may have a leak from:

• The supply hoses
• Damaged caulk
• Loose P-trap connectors
• A loose strainer or a strainer that needs to be replaced

Roof Leak

You might have a leaky roof for many reasons. Examples include:

• Holes
• Missing or damaged shingles
• Gutter problems
• Ridge caps and valleys
• Vents, skylights, and chimneys

If not addressed, roof leaks usually cause large water spots on your ceiling that brown and grow mold quickly. It is possible that the spot will grow bigger every time it rains, and water may also run down your walls. If the leak is coming from your roof, you may need to climb up there to see where it is coming from.

Ways to Fix Ceiling Leaks On Your Own

Here are three ways you can fix the common causes of ceiling leaks on your own. 

1. Toilet Leak Repair

Fixing toilet leaks is easy in two ways. The first method is to replace the wax ring, and the second method is to repair the supply tube or the leaking shutoff valve. 

You can fix toilet leaks by following these steps:

Wax Ring:

1. Drain and remove the toilet.
2. Remove the existing wax ring.
3. Remove the toilet flange bolts.
4. Attach the new wax ring.
5. Position and bolt the toilet back to the floor.
6. Reconnect the toilet and test the new wax ring.

Supply Tube:

1. Turn off the water supply to your toilet.
2. Empty the water from the toilet.
3. Loosen the nut connecting the supply line using a wrench.
4. Install the new supply line.
5. Turn the water back on.
6. Check for leaks.

2. Shower Leak Repair

Here is how to fix a shower leak behind the wall:

The first is. Examine the shower pipes through an inspection window.

2. Look for signs of leakage.
3. Turn on the shower to find out where the leak is coming from. A flashlight or a mirror may help.
4. Repair a leaking shower arm or valve. It is easy to fix a leaky shower arm, simply remove the circular metal plate, unscrew the shower arm, and clean the joint compound with a wire brush.

Tape the threads and screw the arm back into the water pipe joint.

It is necessary to turn off the water valve and replace the cartridge if the valve is leaking. You should call a professional plumber if it is the valve body that is the problem.

3. Sink Leak Repair

Sink leaks can cause ceiling leaks in two ways: when the water supply leaks or when the drain leaks.

Here are some ways to stop sink leaks before they become a major problem:

Water-Supply Leaks:

1. If the leak is not already visible, check for the leak by wrapping toilet paper around the supply line.
2. If you notice the water coming from the supply line connection, tighten the connection with a wrench.
3. If this doesn’t work, turn off the water at the supply valve. Remove the nut and spread plumber’s pipe compound inside the washer fitting and onto the threads. Tighten it down again.
4. If the leak persists, you may have to replace the supply line.

Drain Pipe Leak:

1. Take out the sink outlet flange and drain pipe.
2. Inspect all parts such as the gaskets, rubber sealing, drain pipe, and nut to see if they might be cracked or if the metal or plastic threads are stripped.
3. If these items are damaged, you’ll need to replace them and put the parts back together.
4. If the sink parts are not damaged, you’ll need to purchase a few items to fix the problem to ensure the leak doesn’t continue. You’ll need plumbers tape or plumbers putty to make sure the connections are water-tight.

Who Do I Call If I Have a Severe Ceiling Leak?

Leaks that are severe won’t go away on their own. You should immediately call Express Drain & Sewer if you have a severe leak that cannot be easily fixed or if you cannot determine where the leak is coming from.

You can develop mold that will adversely affect your health even if your ceiling leak isn’t too bad yet. 

Contact Singapore Waterproofing at Express today before your ceiling leak gets out of control.