Water Coming Through the Ceiling? Do This First
Modern Perspective Plumbing, licensed plumbing contractor in Grover Beach, serving San Luis Obispo County
Shut off your main water valve, then keep clear of anything electrical that's wet. If the water stops, a pipe or fixture is the likely cause. If it keeps coming and it's raining, the roof may be the cause.
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What to do first
- Turn off the main water valve, often near the front of the house or in the garage.
- If water is near lights, fans or outlets, stay away and turn off that power at the breaker only if you can reach it safely from a dry spot.
- Put a bucket under the drip and move what you can.
- Stay out from under a ceiling that's sagging.
Call right away if
- Water keeps coming after the main valve is off and it isn't raining
- You can't find or turn the main valve
- The ceiling is sagging or water is near electrical. Keep everyone away
We answer Monday–Friday 8AM–5PM. After hours, we take your details and call back first thing the next business morning, or Monday morning on weekends. No crew goes out overnight.
What usually causes it
- Supply pipe. A leak here usually runs steadily and slows or stops when the main is off.
- Bathroom above. A toilet, tub or shower drain may only leak when that fixture is used.
- Water heater or appliance. A unit in the attic or upstairs can leak down through the ceiling.
- Roof. A leak that follows rain may be a job for a roofer, not a plumber.
Coming out to look is free, and you get the price before any work starts. Learn more about our leak detection and repair.
Common questions
Is it a plumber or a roofer?
If the water keeps coming with the main off and it's raining, start with a roofer. If it stops with the main off, or only happens when a fixture is used, call a plumber.
Should I shut off my water even if it's a small drip?
If you can't tell where it's coming from, shutting off the main is the safe first step while you figure it out.