Leak In Ceiling | What To Do & How To Fix?

Quick Answer: What To Do Right Now

If water is dripping from your ceiling, don’t panic – but don’t wait either. Here’s what to do immediately:

• Protect your belongings: Move furniture, rugs, and electronics out of the way. Put a bucket or container under the leak to catch water.

• Turn off electricity: If water is near a light fixture or switch, switch off power to that circuit at the consumer unit.

• Shut off the water supply: If you suspect a plumbing leak, close the main stopcock to prevent more water entering the system.

• Relieve ceiling pressure: If you see a bulge, carefully puncture the lowest point with a screwdriver to drain the water slowly into a bucket. It prevents sudden collapse.

• Document the damage: Take photos or videos for insurance purposes.

• Call professionals: If you’re unsure where the leak is coming from, call a qualified leak detection company.

Is It Plumbing, Roofing, HVAC, or Condensation?

Knowing the source helps you call the right specialist:

• Roof leak: Happens during or after rain. Stains appear near roof edges, chimneys, or loft areas. Check for missing tiles or cracked flashing.

• Plumbing leak: Can happen any time, even in dry weather. Often near bathrooms, kitchens, or where pipes run through ceilings. May cause continuous dripping sounds or higher water bills.

• HVAC or boiler leak: Usually localised around air conditioning units, vents, or boilers. You might see rust or dampness near ducts.

• Condensation: Common in poorly ventilated areas like bathrooms and attics. Causes diffuse staining and a persistent musty smell rather than active dripping.

If you’re uncertain, a professional leak detection technician can confirm the cause using non-invasive methods like thermal imaging and acoustic sensors.

Early Signs vs Severe Signs

Early Signs:

• Yellow or brown stains forming rings on the ceiling.

• Bubbling or peeling paint.

• A damp or musty odour.

• Faint cracking or soft spots on plaster.

Severe Signs:

• Sagging or bulging sections of ceiling.

• Active dripping or pooling.

• Crumbling plasterboard.

• Spreading mould or mildew growth.

Early intervention can save thousands in repairs and prevent mould spreading through the structure.

Safety First: What Not To Do

• Don’t touch electrical switches or light fittings near the leak.

• Don’t ignore a bulging ceiling – it can collapse.

• Don’t try to cover stains or repaint before the leak is fixed and the area is fully dry.

• Don’t climb onto a wet roof.

If in doubt, step back and call a professional. Safety always comes first.

Immediate Checks: Room by Room

Bathroom Above? 

Check for water pooling around the base of toilets, baths, or showers. Look for cracked tiles, broken seals, or damp grout. A rocking toilet or warped flooring often points to a leak beneath.

Kitchen Above? 

Inspect under sinks, dishwashers, or washing machines. Loose pipe fittings, dripping valves, and condensation around appliances are common culprits.

Loft or Roof Area? 

Look for wet insulation, dark roof timbers, or daylight through tiles. Also check gutters and downpipes for blockages causing overflow.

HVAC or Boiler? 

Condensation lines and overflow pipes can drip steadily without notice. Rust around the unit or damp near vents is a red flag.

Professional Leak Detection: Non-Invasive & Accurate

Modern leak detection removes the guesswork. Instead of cutting through ceilings or floors, technicians use:

• Thermal imaging: Detects temperature differences caused by moisture.

• Acoustic sensors: Pinpoint leaks by listening to escaping water inside walls or ceilings.

• Moisture meters: Measure dampness in materials.

• Tracer gas and pressure testing: Identify even the smallest hidden leaks.

We offer all of these under a No Find, No Fee Guarantee and £490 fixed rate. You also get an insurer-approved report, photos, and repair guidance – all part of a single visit.

Fixing the Source: Typical Repairs

• Plumbing leaks: Often caused by loose joints, cracked pipes, or worn seals. Repairs may include replacing sections of copper or plastic piping, tightening fittings, or resealing fixtures.

• Roof leaks: Involve replacing missing tiles, repairing cracked flashing, or resealing valleys. Severe cases may need underlay or membrane repair.

• HVAC leaks: Usually from blocked condensate drains or faulty pumps. Technicians clear blockages and test drainage.

• Condensation issues: Improved ventilation or insulation often resolves recurring moisture in ceilings or lofts.

Always fix the root cause before repairing cosmetic damage.

Drying, Decontamination & Restoration

After stopping the leak:

1. Dry the area: Use fans, dehumidifiers, and open windows. A moisture meter helps confirm dryness.

2. Remove damaged materials: Cut away soggy plasterboard, insulation, and ceiling tiles.

3. Inspect the structure: Check joists or beams for rot or mould.

4. Replace and finish: Install new plasterboard, tape joints, apply filler, sand, and repaint with stain-blocking primer.

5. Mould prevention: Apply anti-mould spray or professional biocide treatment if needed.

Skipping proper drying is the most common cause of repeat damage – never rush this step.

Insurance & Trace and Access

Most UK home insurance policies cover “escape of water” – sudden leaks from plumbing or appliances. Roof leaks may also be covered if caused by storm damage.

To claim successfully:

• Stop the leak immediately.

• Document damage (photos, receipts, reports).

• Contact your insurer promptly.

• Get professional trace-and-access documentation (many policies cover this).

Insurers rarely cover gradual leaks or lack of maintenance, so professional evidence matters. Our reports are insurer-approved and simplify claims from start to finish.

DIY vs Professional: Where’s The Line?

DIY is fine for:

• Containing the leak.

• Draining a small ceiling bulge safely.

• Re-sealing visible bathroom joints.

Call a professional for:

• Hidden or repeating leaks.

• Electrical involvement.

• Sagging or collapsing ceilings.

• Roof leaks or structural damage.

A professional will locate the source precisely, repair effectively, and provide documentation that protects your insurance claim.

When to Call Whom?

• Plumber: Leak follows water use or you hear dripping inside walls.

• Roofer: Leak appears only after rain or wind.

• Leak detection specialist: Source unclear or multiple possible origins.

• Restoration expert: Severe water damage or mould.