Water Dripping From Ceiling: What to Do in the First 10 Minutes
First 10 minutes
- Shut off the main water valve.
- Put a bucket under the drip and move furniture.
- If the ceiling is bulging, carefully poke a small hole in the center to release water (this prevents a collapse).
- Turn off electricity to the room if water is near fixtures.
- Call a 24/7 emergency plumber.
Most common sources
A bathroom directly above is the usual suspect: a failed toilet wax ring, a leaking tub drain or overflow, a shower valve leaking inside the wall, or a cracked supply line. Other sources include a pinhole leak in copper, a leaking water heater on an upper floor, and a condensate line from an HVAC unit.
How we find it without wrecking your ceiling
We use moisture meters, thermal imaging, and acoustic leak detection to pinpoint the source, then open only the section that needs repair.
Prevention
Replace rubber supply lines with braided steel, have shower valves checked when they get stiff, and never ignore a stain — stains grow.
Need help now? Rick Staley's Plumbing provides 24/7 emergency plumbing across Colorado. Call (888) 480-9811 for same-day service.