04 Apr Dealing With A Leaky Ceiling

The Question: Is there a way to know if I have a leak before it gets through my ceiling?

The Answer: Yes, there are ways to detect a leak before it causes visible damage to your ceiling or other parts of your home. Here are a few signs to look out for.

Keep an eye on your water bills. An unexpected increase can indicate a leak somewhere in your plumbing system. You can also check your water meter to detect leaks. First, ensure all water is turned off inside and outside your home. Then, watch the meter and see if it begins to change. If it does, you likely have a leak.

Eyeball your roof. A standard for being a good homeowner is making sure you know your home. Periodically inspect your roof for missing, damaged or aging shingles, as these can allow water to enter. Look for signs of water intrusion in your attic as well, such as wet rafters or leaks around vents and chimneys. Use your ears, too. Sometimes, you can hear a leak before you see it. Listen for dripping sounds in the walls or ceilings, especially at night when the house is quiet.

Look for mold or mildew. It’s one thing to fight mold and mildew in places that are often wet or moist, like bathtubs and showers, or around a water spigot is one thing we’ve all dealt with. The presence of mold or mildew, especially in places where water shouldn’t be, can indicate a leak. Pay attention to musty odors and visible mold growth. Also keep an eye out for wall and ceiling discoloration, though this can be easily missed, depending on the color of paint on your ceiling. These can appear as rings of brown or yellow. Paint or wallpaper that’s peeling or blistering is also often a sign of moisture beneath the surface.

Inspect your pipes. Regularly inspect all accessible plumbing for signs of leaks, corrosion, or damage, including under sinks, around toilets, and near water heaters. It’s not uncommon to find issues in these areas and depending on the layout of your home, it can lead to moisture damage in your ceiling.

After you’ve done your due diligence in seeking out any issues as a homeowner, it’s time for a professional inspection. If you suspect a leak but can’t locate it, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We offer free roof inspections, and we utilize specialized tools and years of experience to identify leaks without needing to open walls or ceilings.

Early detection of leaks can save you from extensive and expensive damage. Regular maintenance and monitoring are key to catching leaks before they become major issues. Please don’t wait – reach out and schedule your free inspection today!