Water Dripping From Ceiling: What to Do Right Now

By King's Cliff Plumbing · Updated 2026-11-02

Act in this order

Put a bucket under the drip and move furniture and electronics. If the ceiling is bulging, poke a small hole at the lowest point to release the water in a controlled way before the drywall collapses. Shut off the main water valve if the drip is steady. Then call an emergency plumber.

Is it plumbing or the roof?

If it's raining, the roof is suspect. If the weather is dry and the drip is below a bathroom, kitchen or laundry room, it's plumbing: a leaking supply line, a cracked drain, a failed shower pan or a toilet wax ring. Dripping that happens only when someone showers upstairs points to a drain or tub overflow leak.

How we find the source

Leak detection equipment lets us hear pressurized leaks inside walls and see moisture patterns with thermal imaging, so we open the ceiling in one small spot rather than tearing out the whole room.

After the repair

Dry the area thoroughly within 48 hours to prevent mold. Photograph the damage for insurance and keep our invoice – it documents the cause.

Related Services