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How to fix a ceiling leak

We'll help you contain the leak, trace the source, and know when to call a plumber or roofer.

How-to · Home plumbing
30–60 min (containment); repair varies
What you'll need
  • Bucket or pan
  • Screwdriver (to relieve bulge pressure)
  • Fan or dehumidifier
  • Drywall patch materials (after source is fixed)

At a glance

  • Place a bucket under the drip and punch a small hole in the ceiling bulge to relieve pressure and prevent collapse.
  • Trace the leak upward—often from the bathroom above, roof, or a pipe in the ceiling.
  • Shut off water to the suspected fixture or pipe to stop active flow.
  • Patch the ceiling only after the source is fixed and the area is dry.
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Get started

Choose the option that matches what you see. You can jump straight to that section.

Steps

Goal: Contain the leak, trace the source, and repair or call a professional.

  • Place a bucket under the drip. If the ceiling is bulging, punch a small hole to relieve pressure. See Contain the leak.
  • Trace the leak to its source—bathroom above, roof, or pipe. See Trace the source.
  • Shut off water to the source. See Shut off water.
  • Document, dry, and patch after the source is fixed. See Verification.

Contain the leak

Goal: Stop water from damaging more of the ceiling and prevent collapse.

  • Place a bucket or pan under the drip. If the ceiling is bulging or sagging, punch a small hole in the lowest point with a screwdriver to let water drain.
  • Good: Water flows into the bucket; the bulge does not grow. Proceed to Trace the source.
  • Bad: Water is spraying or the ceiling is collapsing—evacuate the area and call for help.

Trace the source

Goal: Find where the water is coming from.

  • Check the room directly above—bathroom toilet, tub, shower, or sink. Run each fixture and watch for drips.
  • If nothing is above, the leak may be from the roof or a pipe in the ceiling. Confirm whether the leak happens during rain (roof) or when using water (plumbing).
  • Good: You identify the source. Proceed to Shut off water.
  • Bad: Cannot locate the source—call a plumber or roofer. See When to get help.

Shut off water

Goal: Stop active water flow to the leak.

  • If the leak is from a fixture above, turn off the supply valve under the sink or behind the toilet.
  • For a tub or shower, shut the main water supply if needed. If the leak is from a pipe, use the main shutoff.
  • Good: Dripping stops. Proceed to document, dry, and schedule repair.
  • Bad: Dripping continues—confirm you shut the correct valve or call a plumber.

When to get help

Call a plumber if:

  • The leak is from a pipe you cannot access.
  • Water is spraying under pressure.
  • The leak continues after shutting off fixtures above.
  • You are not comfortable tracing or shutting off water.

Call a roofer if:

  • The leak appears during or after rain.
  • You see daylight through the roof or damaged flashing.

Do not patch the ceiling until the source is repaired.

Verification

  • Water is contained and no longer dripping.
  • The source is identified and water is shut off (or the roof is repaired).
  • The ceiling and attic are dry before patching.
  • The ceiling patch is flush and painted (if you patched it yourself).

Reviewed by Blackbox Atlas

Frequently asked questions

What causes a ceiling leak?
Common causes: a leaking toilet, tub, or shower in the room above; a roof leak; or a burst or corroded pipe in the ceiling. Water travels along joists and drips at the lowest point, so the drip location may not match the source.
Can I fix a ceiling leak myself?
You can contain the leak and patch minor ceiling damage. Locating and fixing the source—especially roof or pipe leaks—often requires a plumber or roofer. Do not patch the ceiling until the source is repaired.
When should I call a plumber for a ceiling leak?
Call a plumber if the leak is from a pipe you cannot access, water is spraying, or the leak continues after shutting off fixtures above. Call a roofer if the leak appears during or after rain.

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