First steps
- Close the main water shutoff.If the drip slows or stops within a few minutes, the source is likely a supply pipe rather than the roof or a drain.
- Catch the water.Put buckets and towels down and move furniture and electronics out from under the leak.
- Watch for sagging.If the drywall is bulging with water, keep people out from under it. It can come down suddenly.
- Note the timing.Does it drip when someone showers upstairs, flushes or runs a washer? That points to a drain rather than a supply line.
Likely sources by situation
| Situation | Likely source |
|---|---|
| Two-story home, below a bathroom | Toilet seal, shower pan, tub drain or supply line |
| Single-story home, ceiling near the hallway or garage | Water heater or supply lines in the attic, or a roof leak |
| Only after rain | Roof or flashing rather than plumbing |
| Constant drip even with no water use | A pressurized supply line |
| Only when a fixture upstairs is used | A drain line or fixture seal |
| Condo or apartment | The unit above, or a shared line in the building |
Single-story homes and attic plumbing
Most La Habra tract homes are single story, so a ceiling leak there often traces back to something in the attic rather than a bathroom above. Some homes have had water lines rerouted through the attic during repiping, and some have water heaters or air conditioning equipment overhead. A condensate line from the air conditioner can also drip and look like a plumbing leak.
In condos and apartments, the leak often starts in the unit above. Let the neighbor and the building manager or HOA know right away, since shared lines may be the building's responsibility.
Before the plumber arrives
- Water
- Main shutoff closed and tested at a faucet
- Power
- Wet light circuits off if reachable from a dry spot
- Photos
- Ceiling, stain size and any damage below
- Notes
- When it started and what was running at the time
What to ask
- How will you find the leak without opening more ceiling than needed?
- Who repairs and paints the drywall after the plumbing fix?
- Should the ceiling be dried or checked for mold before it is closed up?
- If the leak is in a shared building line, who should pay for the repair?
Common questions
Should I poke a hole in a bulging ceiling?
Some people do to drain trapped water into a bucket, but it carries risk if wiring is nearby. If you are unsure, keep everyone away and wait for a professional.
How do I know if it is the roof or a pipe?
If closing the main stops the drip, it is likely plumbing. If it only happens during rain, it is likely the roof.
My upstairs neighbor's unit is leaking into mine. What should I do?
Close your own water if it helps, alert the neighbor and the building manager or HOA, document the damage, and contact your insurer.
General information for La Habra, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.