How much does ceiling water damage & leaks cost?

It depends on how much area got wet, the type of water, how long drying takes and what needs to be rebuilt. The company you're matched with gives you the estimate; ask for it in writing.

Is Flood Rescue Pros a restoration company?

No. Flood Rescue Pros is a free referral service that connects you with independent restoration companies. They perform the work and set their own prices and terms.

Can I file an insurance claim for this?

Often, if the damage was sudden and accidental. Photograph everything before cleanup, call your insurer to open a claim, and ask the restoration company to document moisture readings.

Ceiling Water Damage & Leaks — Flood Rescue Pros

Water leaking from a ceiling means water is collecting above it, from a roof leak, a bathroom or plumbing line upstairs, an AC drain pan or condensation in the attic. Put a bucket under the drip, turn off the water if it's plumbing, and if the ceiling is sagging, poke a small hole at the lowest point to drain it in a controlled way, then get it inspected.

Find the source

Where	Likely cause
Top floor, worse when it rains	Roof leak, flashing, skylight or vent boot
Under a bathroom	Toilet seal, shower pan, tub drain or supply line
Near an AC unit or air handler	Clogged condensate line or overflowing drain pan
Winter, near exterior walls	Frozen pipe or ice dam
Brown ring that slowly grows	A slow leak that has been going for a while

What to do right now

Move furniture and electronics out from under the leak and catch the water.
Shut off the water supply if the leak is from plumbing.
If a light fixture is wet or the ceiling is near one, turn off that circuit at the breaker.
If the ceiling is bulging, stand aside and pierce the center of the bulge with a screwdriver over a bucket. This beats the whole panel coming down.
Photograph the ceiling, the stain and anything damaged.

Repairing a water-damaged ceiling

A dry water stain on intact drywall can sometimes be sealed with a stain-blocking primer and repainted. Drywall that sagged, softened or stayed wet usually has to be cut out. The insulation above it should be checked too: wet insulation loses its value and holds moisture against the framing. A restoration company can dry the cavity with air movers and dehumidifiers before the ceiling is patched.

Mistakes to avoid

Painting over the stain before fixing the leak.
Leaving wet insulation in the attic or ceiling cavity.
Standing under a sagging ceiling. Wet drywall is heavy and can drop without warning.
Ignoring a stain that keeps coming back. That's an active leak.

Will insurance pay?

If a pipe burst or a fixture suddenly failed, homeowners insurance often covers the resulting ceiling damage. Roof leaks from wear and age are often excluded, while storm damage to the roof may be covered. Check your policy and document everything.

How to get help now

Use the Get help now button on this page and tell us what happened, where, and how much water is involved. We pass your request to an independent restoration company that serves your area so they can call you back and arrange a visit. Flood Rescue Pros is a free referral service: we don't do the work ourselves, and the company you're matched with sets its own prices, schedule and terms. Ask any company for its licensing, insurance and IICRC certification before you sign anything.

Ceiling Water Damage & Leaks