Don’t just sit there! Unfortunately, a leaky ceiling won’t simply work itself out on its own. Here are the next steps to take when you suspect a ceiling leak:

1.) Take Immediate Action

First thing’s first: Be sure to take as many steps as possible to prevent potential water damage before that leak can get worse.

Clear away any valuables or important items that may be damaged by the leak, including artwork, furniture, or any rugs that may be in the splash zone. Once the area is clear, put down a trashcan or bucket to collect the water and contain the leak. A pro-tip, courtesy of Brothers Services Company: Prop a board in the bucket or container, so that the drip strikes that, rather than making the trademark plopping sound that can quickly morph into Chinese Water Torture.

Once you feel comfortable that the leak is contained, use a screwdriver or other sharp instrument to puncture a small hole in your ceiling, at the center of the wet spot or bulge. This will allow any accumulated water to drain easily and smoothly out of your ceiling and relieve the pressure  being placed on the rest of your ceiling – preventing a more serious ceiling collapse in the days ahead.

2.) Try to Diagnose the Source

Once you’ve taken some steps to avert the immediate disaster, you should try to identify the cause of your leak, so that you know how to contact for help.

SFGate has a handy guide to identifying ceiling leaks. A few handy things to bear in mind? Generally, if the leak only occurs in inclement weather – particularly on the top floor of your home – then it’s a roof issue, rather than a plumbing problem. If it’s a first floor leak, then the problem may be an upstairs pipe line or an appliance. And be sure to inspect the water that pools after your leak: If it seems relatively clean or clear, then it’s likely from a plumbing fixture. On the other hand, dirty water might indicate a roof leak.

3.) Reach Out to the Pros

If, after your preliminary inspections, the problem seems to be related to your roof, you’ll want to reach out to a contractor skilled in roof and ceiling repair. If, on the other hand, your leak is sourced to a plumbing fixture or line, then you’ll want to reach out to a certified plumbing pro to fix the cause of the water loss, before bringing in that handyman to repair your ceiling.

While you may be tempted to go DIY, trust us – when it comes to the systems running through your ceiling, a home plumber may accidentally do more harm than good.

Looking for help identifying your leak? Ready to have your pipes or fixtures serviced? Whatever your Red Oakland plumbing needs, our team is here to help! Drop Combat Plumbing a line today!