Water coming through a ceiling in a North Texas home usually comes from one of five places: the attic AC unit, an attic water heater, the roof, a bathroom or laundry room above, or a pipe in the ceiling. The timing, the weather, the temperature of the water and where the stain sits usually tell you which one. Here's how to narrow it down in a few minutes, and who to call for each.
Before playing detective:
| Clue | AC condensate | Attic water heater | Roof | Bathroom or laundry above | Pipe in the ceiling |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| When it drips | While the AC runs, mostly summer | Any time, often constant | During or after rain | When a shower, tub, toilet or washer is used | Any time; often after a freeze |
| Water temperature | Cool | Can be warm | Cold | Varies | Cold or warm |
| Where the stain is | Near a supply vent, the air handler or the attic access | Under where the tank sits | Near exterior walls, valleys, chimneys, skylights | Directly below the fixture | Along a pipe path, often near exterior walls |
| Other signs | AC stopped cooling; water dripping from a pipe outside above a window | Rusty water, rust stains, tank over 10 years old | Recent hail or high winds | Stain grows after showers | Water pressure drop, running sound |
If you're comfortable going into the attic:
In summer, Plano attics are dangerously hot by midday. Go early in the morning or leave it to a professional.
Most ceiling leaks need two kinds of help: someone to fix the source, and someone to dry what the water already soaked.
| Source | Who fixes the source | Who dries the damage | Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|
| AC condensate overflow | HVAC technician | Water damage company | AC leaking through the ceiling |
| Attic water heater | Plumber | Water damage company | Attic water heater leaks |
| Roof leak | Roofer | Water damage company | Ceiling water damage |
| Bathroom or laundry above | Plumber | Water damage company | Upstairs laundry leaks |
| Burst or frozen pipe | Plumber | Water damage company | Burst pipe cleanup |
The stain shows where water finally broke through, not where it all went. Above it, insulation soaks up water and holds it against the drywall, and water spreads along the joists. Painting over a stain before the area above is dry leads to the stain coming back, sagging drywall later, and musty smells that are hard to trace. Once the source is fixed, the ceiling and attic should be checked with moisture meters, and soaked insulation removed. See wet attic insulation removal.
Water coming out of a ceiling light, fan or smoke detector is common, because the fixture's hole in the drywall is the easiest path down. It's also the most dangerous version of a ceiling leak.
A bulge or bubble in the ceiling paint means water is trapped behind it. If it's small and you can reach it safely, a small hole at the lowest point with a screwdriver, standing to the side with a bucket underneath, lets the water drain and takes weight off the drywall. If the bulge is large, the ceiling is cracking, or you can't reach it safely, keep everyone out of the room and call for help.
Many two-story homes in Plano and nearby cities have the AC air handler and often the water heater in the attic, directly above bedrooms. Collin County also sees frequent hail that damages roofs. And loose blown-in insulation sits right on the ceiling drywall. Put those together and ceiling leaks are one of the most common water damage calls in the area.
The most likely sources are the attic AC drain, an attic water heater, or plumbing from a bathroom or laundry room above.
Yes. A clogged condensate line or rusted drain pan on an attic air handler is one of the most common causes of summer ceiling leaks.
Yes. It stops new condensate, and it helps you find out whether the AC is the source.
It is if the ceiling is sagging, water is near a light fixture, or the drip is steady. Small, slow stains still need attention within a day or two.
Only sections that are sagging, crumbling or soaked through. Firm, damp drywall can often be dried in place.
It depends on the cause and your lease and insurance. Tell your property manager right away and document everything.
Call (972) 945-2118. We'll find how far the water spread and dry the ceiling and attic. See our Plano water damage restoration page for every service.