What to Do If Your Ceiling is Leaking
I’ve been plumbing in Cumming for over a decade. You’d be surprised how often we get calls about leaks in the ceiling. We’re used to ballgames getting rained out, but nothing will prepare you for getting your breakfast rained out by water coming through your light fixture. It can be one of the most confusing moments a homeowner can experience.
Sometimes it’s a slow drip. Other times it’s pouring through like a faucet. Either way, a ceiling leak can cause serious damage fast. I’ve seen ceilings fall in. I’ve seen homes fill with mold. And I’ve helped fix every kind of leak that can lead to it.
Here’s what every homeowner in Georgia needs to know in the horrible event that water starts coming through the ceiling.
Most Ceiling Leaks Start in a Bathroom
In almost every case, when water leaks through a ceiling, there’s a bathroom above it.
The most common causes we see:
A toilet overflow
A clogged or cracked drain
A loose water supply line
Water running past old tile seals
A burst pipe inside the wall
Sometimes, we find the leak came from a washing machine or a water heater in an upstairs closet. But bathrooms are the usual suspect.
What You Should Do When Water Leaks Through the Ceiling
Here are the simple steps you can take to prevent an even worse situation:
1. Shut off the water.
If the leak comes from a fixture, stop the water at the source. Shut off the toilet or sink valve. If that doesn’t stop it, turn off the water main.
2. Turn off the electricity.
If water is near a light or outlet, turn off the power to that area. Don’t touch wet switches or fixtures.
3. Catch the water.
Put a bucket or bowl under the leak. If the ceiling bulges, poke a small hole to drain it safely.
4. Call a plumber.
Our team offers emergency response for situations like this to find and stop the source as quickly as possible. This isn’t a wait-and-see problem.
Fixing a Ceiling Leak from the Homeowner’s Perspective
Jim is a customer of ours that we’ve known for a number of years. We’ve had the privilege of replacing his water heater and installing a new sump pump in his basement, but our most recent encounter was unfortunate (to say the least). He had to call us a couple months ago because water was leaking through his kitchen ceiling from two light fixtures.
Here’s what Jim had to say about the situation:
“Alex and his team are the absolute best!
… I had a major issue with both of the toilets in my second floor bathrooms, causing water to leak down into the ceiling area in the kitchen below, and drip from two of the light fixtures.
The two guys he sent did a great job of removing the toilets and running a snake to remove the clog. They also gave me excellent advice on opening up the ceiling in the kitchen and drying it out, so mold wouldn’t grow.
If you hire Rx Plumbing to work for you, you can rest assured that the job will be done properly, at a fair price!”
Here’s what we did in order to fix the problem and keep the issue from compounding:
Removed both toilets
Snaked the drain and cleared the clog
Advised him on how and why to open the ceiling
Helped him start drying the space right away to prevent mold
Why You Should Never Wait to Fix a Ceiling Leak
Leaks that start in a bathroom or wall don’t fix themselves. Here’s what happens if you decide to wait:
Wet insulation holds a lot of water
Mold starts growing in 24 to 48 hours
Ceiling drywall softens quickly and may collapse
Even if the drip stops, the space inside stays wet. I always recommend opening the ceiling and drying it fully, or simply giving us a call to inspect it and ensure that everything is in order.
Do You Need a Plumber or a Handyman?
If the leak comes from plumbing, you need a licensed plumber. A handyman shouldn’t be trusted to properly fix a clogged drain or leaking valve.
What’s most important is to stop the leak first. Once it’s repaired and dry, you can bring someone in to patch any damaged drywall.
At Rx-Plumbing, we handle the source, including fixtures. We find it, fix it, and help you stop further damage.
How Long Will It Take to Repair a Ceiling Leak?
The plumbing fix often takes a few hours or less.
Drying the ceiling can take several days.
Patching the ceiling takes one to two days, after it’s dried.
If the leak caused mold, soaked insulation, or came from the toilet or sewer line, cleanup will take longer. At Rx-Plumbing, we always tell you what to expect before we begin.
Will a Ceiling Leak Go Away On Its Own?
No. The ceiling might look dry after a day or two. But the framing and insulation inside can stay wet for a long time. We’ve opened plenty of ceilings that are black with mold, soft wood, and ruined wire on the inside.
You have to open the area and dry it out. Always.
Does Insurance Cover a Ceiling Leak?
In many cases, yes. If the leak was sudden and not purposeful—like a burst pipe or an overflow—your homeowner’s insurance often covers the repairs.
If the leak happened slowly over time, insurance may not help. But every case is different.
Here’s what we tell our customers:
Take plenty of photos
Save any damaged material
Call a remediation company or your insurance agent
Ask if a plumber’s report would help
We’re always ready and happy to help explain and document the cause clearly for your claim.
How to Prevent Ceiling Leaks
Here are a few simple methods to prevent any potential disasters in your own home:
Replace toilet seals every few years
Use water alarms under sinks and near water heaters
Check grout and tile in showers for cracks
Use braided steel water supply lines, not plastic
Schedule a plumbing inspection every one to two years
A little prevention can help you avoid a lot of damage.
FAQs: Ceiling Leaks and What to Expect
What should I do if water leaks through the ceiling?
Shut off the water and power, catch the drip, and call a plumber right away.
Is water leaking from the ceiling an emergency?
Yes. It can cause mold, fire risk, and ceiling collapse. Act fast.
Will a ceiling leak dry on its own?
No. The top layer may dry but it'll still be wet inside. Open the area and dry it fully.
Who do I call for a water leak in the ceiling?
Call a licensed plumber. If you live in the areas north of Atlanta, that’s us: Rx-Plumbing & Drain.
Do plumbers fix leaks in ceilings?
Yes. We fix the source of the leak and help you plan next steps.
How long does it take to fix a leak in the ceiling?
The plumbing fix may take a few hours, but full drying and repair takes several days to months depending on the extent and severity.
Does homeowners insurance cover ceiling leaks?
Often yes, if the leak was sudden. Gradual leaks are usually not covered.
Call Rx-Plumbing & Drain to Repair a Ceiling Leak Fast
We’re a small team of local Georgians who don’t cut corners. We believe in old-fashioned respect and service, so you can count on us to show up on time, explain what’s going on, and clean up after ourselves.
We’ve fixed leaks in kitchens, basements, closets, garages, bedrooms, foundations, walls, ceilings, and even underground. We’ve seen every kind of problem a plumbing leak can cause. And we know how to fix it the right way.
If you live in Cumming or anywhere in North Atlanta and water starts coming through your ceiling, don’t wait. Call us to find the source, stop the leak, and help you protect your home!
