29 Dec 2020
When water drips from the ceiling, you do not know whether it is a roof leak or a plumbing leak. You might need to repair a broken pipe or the roofing system to prevent water damage. So, look through the points in this article to understand what to do for a ceiling leak repair!
How Do You Know When The Ceiling Has A Leaking Pipe?
When water is leaking from the roof, it becomes difficult to identify whether this water leakage is due to damaged roofing system or a leaking pipe.
If the roofing system is faulty, the water will usually drip in the rainy season or due to ice dams. However, water leakage due to a leaking pipe or plumbing leak will be continuous and persistent. So, let’s see some of the differences between these two leaks to know when your ceiling has a leaking pipe.
Roofing System Leaks
- Water seeping directly from the ceiling surface or attic space
- The leaks occur during or after the rainfall
- The water coming down from the roof will be dirty and brownish
- In the cold season, water leakage is due to ice dams
- It does not stop even when you have turned off the water supply
Water Leakage Sources
- When the water appears from the ceiling located below a kitchen, bathroom, or where plumbing pipes are present
- The water drips constantly and persistently, in any season
- Water drips at a steady rate
- It stops when you have turned off the water supply system
So, if you look closely for the source of water leakage, you will find these differences. Based on this distinction, you can identify the actual cause of water seepage. So, you will take necessary steps to either fix the roofing system or go for the leaking pipe repair.
9 Steps: How To Repair A Leaking Pipe From The Ceiling
Once you are certain that a leaking pipe has caused the water damage, then proceed to fix the ceiling. Repairing a leakage involves specific steps and methods to fix the leaking pipe. You need to learn about these techniques before delving into the repairing and fixing of these leaks.
So, here is the systematic approach for fixing a pipe leakage in the ceiling.
1. Shut Down The Electricity
The first thing you need to do is turn off the lights and shut down the electricity supply. You can switch off the breaker box in the home. Even if there isn’t any light on the ceiling, you should still turn off the electricity.Because there could be any wiring under the ceiling, you are about to repair. So, you will be safe and can move the wires aside without any threat while fixing the leak.
2. Turn Off The Water Supply
The next step that you need to take is to turn off the water supply to stop the leakage. So that the damage occurring to the ceiling can reduce; also, it will be difficult to work on the leakage with water dripping on your face.
3. Lay Down A Dry Cloth Under The Leakage
Then, lay down a dry cloth or a plastic cloth on the floor, under the leak. That way you will save your furniture and floor from further wetness and damage. Also, it will collect the dirt and debris coming down from the ceiling when you will repair it.
4. Place A Container Under the Leakage Spot
Now, put a bucket or container under the leakage, and on the dry cloth. This bucket will help collect the water seeping from the ceiling. It will catch water to stop its flow and to save your floor, once you begin draining the leak.
5. Drain The Leak
Use sharp tools, such as screwdrivers, to puncture a hole in the ceiling at the location of the leak. Create the hole carefully and larger enough for a steady flow of water. The water will start draining from the ceiling and collect in the bucket, placed underneath it. With this process, you will prevent further damage to your ceiling and relieve any other water damage.
If the water stays under the ceiling, it can weigh down the ceiling and collapse it. Also, the seepage can increase over time with a large quantity of water leakage. The hole you will create, it will also help you identify the source of water leak.
6. Cut Down The Drywall
Now, it is time to cut down the damaged area of the ceiling. You need to use a saw to cut the wet spot and damaged portion of the drywall. However, you should be careful before bringing down the drywall.
Create a small hole first and inspect if there are any electric wires, pipes, or gas lines. You might need help from a plumber if you find these under the ceiling. Moreover, chunks of the drywall can fall from the top, so take care of that as well while working.
7. Identify The Leak
Look inside the ceiling opening with the help of a flashlight. You need to find the exact place of the pipe leakage to repair it.
8. Dry The Pipe
Dry the pipes and the ceiling before patching up and repairing the drywall.
9. Patch Up The Ceiling
Lastly, you have to close and patch up the hole in the ceiling.
When To Call In A Plumber In Singapore
If the leakage from the ceiling is minor, you can handle it on your own. However, in case of bigger damages or tricky situations, you will not be able to patch up the ceiling. Also, it can be challenging to understand whether you need to fix the roofing system or go for repairing a broken pipe.
An experienced plumbing contractor in Singapore would know how to address all these problems. When you need help, contact K. Heng Plumbing and repair your leakage problems, leaking pipes, or any other plumbing issues.