How to Deal With Leaky Ceilings

A leaky ceiling -- and the discoloration it causes -- is a sore sight for the eyes, whether it’s a fresh leak or one that's long-standing. Aside from being unsightly, leaky ceilings must be addressed for health issues since standing water can lead to mold and a host of undesirable respiratory issues. At the first sound or sight of water leaking from your ceiling, take cover and take action.

Tarp
Putty knife
Stain sealer
Paint

Instructions

- 1
  Determine the source of the leak. Ceilings may leak when water penetrates the roof or comes from a pipe in the attic that passes to a lower floor.
- 2
  Clean up the source of the leak, if it is accessible through the attic. Use a mop, bucket and rags to collect any remaining standing water.
- 3
  Put a bucket on the floor beneath the drip if it is not possible to access the source of the leak through an attic. Use a small nail or ice pick to pierce a small hole through the surface to allow any remaining water to flow into the bucket.
- 4
  Contact a roofing professional to fix the leaky roof or a plumber for pipe problems. Cover the roof with a tarp to prevent additional water from entering the home and penetrating through the ceiling.
- 5
  Let the ceiling surface dry completely. Use a putty knife to scrape away any flaking drywall or plaster. Apply stain sealer, according to the manufacturer’s directions, and then repaint the ceiling.

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