Why is water coming through my ceiling?
Short answer
Water through a ceiling comes from a plumbing line or fixture above, an air conditioning condensate backup, or roof and flashing failure. The timing tells you which: rain points to the roof, AC runtime points to condensate, fixture use points to plumbing.
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Safety first
- Cut power to the room at the breaker.
- Shut the main water supply if you suspect plumbing.
- Drain a sagging ceiling from the side, into a bucket.
Narrowing the source
- During or after rain → roof, flashing, or window
- Whenever the AC runs → clogged condensate line or overflowing pan
- After showers or laundry above → drain line
- Continuous regardless of use → pressurized supply line
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Can I just paint over the stain later?
Only after the source is fixed and the cavity is dry. Painting over damp drywall traps moisture and the stain returns.
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