How to Trace a Leak in the Ceiling?

12/29/2020 (Permalink)

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An unattended leak in the ceiling can cause significant damage to the structure of a commercial property. While some leaks may be easily traceable, especially when water is dripping, but sometimes ceiling leaks remain concealed and end up weakening the ceiling without a single sign. To avoid severe structural damage, it is essential that leaks are identified early and treated accordingly. 

Three ways to locate a ceiling leak

The highly trained certified water damage vendors at SERVPRO have suggested a few simple ways to identify and trace a leak in the ceiling. Here are a few signs that will help property owners inspect these leaks sooner and get them resolved before they cause substantial damage:

One: One of the clear signs of a leak in the ceiling includes discoloration over an entire area. The discoloration will be apparent if the ceiling is white. You may notice that the ceiling paint starts to peel off in a particular spot. There may be blistering of the plaster or the most obvious sign; the entire ceiling may crumble from underneath the leak. 

Two: Other leaks leave a yellow or brown stain at a spot on the ceiling. These stains might be easy to miss when the ceiling is not painted white. We recommend that you use a flashlight directed towards the ceiling to help identify any ceiling spots. 

Three: Another way to inspect a leak is to press on the ceiling and assess dampness and sagging within the ceiling. If you choose to press on the ceiling, be sure to use a stable ladder to climb up and get better access to the ceiling. 

Common leak sources 

While identifying a leak is an essential first step, it is vital to locate the leak source. One of the most familiar ways to tell the source is through the appearance of the water causing the leak. Water that is brown or dirty in color is likely to be coming from the roof. Roof leaks generally occur after a rain or ice buildup. If you suspect the source is the roof, use a hose to spray water on the roof, and then look out for dripping water from the ceiling. If you spot damp insulation within the ceiling, it usually means you have found the source.

Wet insulation is a sign of a problem coming from plumbing pipes. Common plumbing issues usually direct leaks near kitchen sinks, basins, and around or beneath bathrooms. If you suspect faulty pipes, you can identify the source by wrapping tissue paper around the pipe; the tissues will ultimately dampen where the pipe is leaking. Once a source has been narrowed down, you should turn off the water supply valve to limit further damage and call a local professional to resolve the issue. 

Roof or pipe leak?

A leak in the ceiling might be easier to identify based on the kind of signs visible. Leaks that originate with the ceiling are usually associated with clear water and faulty plumbing pipes. If the water is dirty, it means the leak is in the roof as the water takes up the dust on the way. The water might leave a trail that will be identifiable by dampened paint or crumbled ceiling, and following the trail will help conclude if the leak is from within the ceiling or outside. 

Avoid mold growth 

When a leak has been identified in the ceiling, the first thing you should do is prevent further damage. Spread a plastic sheet on the floor beneath it and place a bucket over it. Using a stable ladder to drill a half an inch hole in the damp spot allows the pooled water to drain into the bucket, preventing further harm to the drywall and enabling it to clear up. Keeping this area dry will prevent the buildup of any mold. Make sure to turn off the water supply to that area, open all the windows, and remove any carpets or rugs that are wet. Keeping the area dry will prevent the growth of any mold. 

Ceiling leak repair specialists  

Our exceptional SERVPRO team is the perfect solution to all your clean-up and restoration related problems. They possess impeccable skills and will help transform your worries into solutions. We, at SERVPRO, make sure that trusting us for cleaning and restoration services will be the best decision you make. Contact us today if you have any issues with ceiling leaks or water intrusions from your faulty roof.