No homeowner wants to feel water drip down onto them as they try to watch TV after a long day. Ceilings exist to shield us from external elements such as rain and storms but leaks hinder this purpose. Several reasons from roof damage to leaky pipes can cause ceiling leaks. Nevertheless, it is important to act quickly in order to minimize and mitigate damage.
A ceiling leak can quickly make your home a hotspot for mold and other forms of water damage. This means that the longer you ignore the leak, the more expensive the restoration process will be.
Here is what to do when you notice a ceiling leak:
Contain the Leak
Even if the water from your ceiling is just a slow drip, you still need to contain it. Grab a large bucket or any large plastic container and place it underneath the leak. You may need multiple buckets if there are different parts of your ceiling leaking.
If water has pooled on your floors, use rags and towels to mop it up. Doing this prevents slips, falls, and serious injuries as you move around your home. Additionally, leaving pools of water for long periods will damage and weaken your flooring.
Protect Items Under the Leak
If the ceiling leak occurs in your living room, you should move any furniture under the flow of water away. If the furniture is unmovable, grab a plastic sheet or tarp to cover it. You can also use shower curtains or large plastic bags. This will protect personal items from water damage and mold. The same process applies to other parts of your home with a leak such as the bedroom, study, kitchen, or garage.
Identify the Source of the Leak
The leak may be from your roof or directly from your ceiling. If your ceiling only leaks when it rains, then your roof is likely compromised. It may be missing some tiles or shingles, or just be weakened from age. Feel around your ceiling for any damp or soft spots and mark them out. This helps the professional understand the general problem area before identifying the specific problem spots.
If the water is dripping directly from your ceiling, your plumbing system is likely experiencing a fault. In this case, shutting off the main source of water can stop the leak. Your main water valve will be located either inside or outside your home. Once you locate it, turn it counterclockwise to shut off the water and stop the leak.
Sometimes, you may not have access to the main water valve because you live in an apartment complex. The leak may be coming from the apartment above yours. You can reach out to the tenant in that apartment to inform them and ask your facility manager to shut the water off.
Create a Drainage Hole
The ceiling may begin to sag as water pools inside it and excessive sagging can cause the entire ceiling to collapse. A sagging ceiling puts your safety at risk and is a costly fix. You can use a small screwdriver or other sharp objects to create a drainage hole for the water to escape. This is especially important if you are unable to stop the water flow causing the leak. Ensure there’s a bucket big enough to catch the water before creating the drainage hole.
Turn the Electricity Off
Water and electricity do not mix and a ceiling leak could cause serious hazards such as electrocution and fires. It is best to switch off electrical outlets, light fixtures, or power strips surrounding the leak area. You should also switch off appliances in that area to prevent permanent damage. If the leak has flooded your entire home, you should turn the power off. You can do this from your home’s electrical panel.
Contact A Professional Water Damage Restoration Company
Water damage can compromise the structure of your building and ruin your personal property in the blink of an eye. You should contact a restoration company immediately after you contain and mitigate the damage. They will assess your home and begin the water damage restoration process.
The water damage restoration process involves damage mitigation, drying and dehumidification, sanitizing, and mold remediation. Attempting to handle the water damage yourself may result in structural issues down the line. This is because water damage often causes hidden damage in parts of your home such as the flooring and drywall. Additionally, improper drying makes your home a host for mold which is dangerous for your health. Therefore, it is best to contact a professional restoration company to handle the damage and cleanup.
How To Prevent Future Ceiling Leaks
You can protect your home from severe water damage by implementing preventative measures. Consider doing the following to prevent future leaks:
Regular Roof Inspections
You should have a professional inspect your roof every now and then. This helps you spot small issues such as broken or missing shingles and tiles which can cause leaks later. Roof inspections should also include your siding and gutters.
Plumbing System Maintenance
It is key to have a professional plumber examine your plumbing systems regularly. Doing so will prevent small leaks from becoming bigger problems that cause internal flooding.
Install Water Leak Detectors
Water leak detectors can be a lifesaver as they spot potential leaks before they cause flooding. These detectors are most efficient in places such as basements, bathrooms, and attics.
Conclusion
It is important to be proactive when dealing with a ceiling leak. This helps you mitigate the damage and avoid permanent water damage. It also helps reduce your spending as you may not need to replace structural parts of your home.
Ensure your safety throughout the process by turning the electricity off and cleaning up any residual water on your floors. More importantly, avoid fixing the root cause of the ceiling leak yourself. Let the professionals deal with it to avoid injuries and further damage.
A reputable and experienced water damage restoration company makes all the difference when dealing with a ceiling leak. No form of water damage is too complex for On-Call Restoration. Reach out to us today for trustworthy and quality restoration services.
