Burst or Leaky Pipe in your Ceiling?
Pipes in the ceiling that burst might flood your whole house or basement, causing walls and ceilings to degrade.
It’s not only costly to repair but it can also damage furniture, flooring, and carpeting, as well as the electrical wiring in your home.
A small unnoticed Leak can lead to mold and mildew infestation, which can cause serious health problems if left untreated in a house.
In case of a small leak you might not know for days, weeks, months, or even years.
Once you find out there is a problem with your plumbing system inside ceiling it can be an expensive and stressful experience to fix the issue.
This Guide will explain how to identify if you have a burst or leaking pipe in the ceiling and what steps need to happen next to fix it.
Most Common Causes of Burst or Leaky Pipes in Ceilings
Extreme Temperatures
Burst and leaking pipes in the ceiling are most common in the wintertime when temperatures can reach extreme lows.
A rapidly cooling pipe expands and causes immense pressure leading to a burst or leak if the pipe cannot cope with the extra force.
Wearing/Rusting Of Pipes Or Pipe Fittings
Rusty or worn out fittings are another common cause of pipes bursting or leaking.
Erosion of pipes and pipe fittings over time is a natural occurrence but should take a long period before having a noticeable effect.
However, if harsh chemical products are often used/disposed of into the pipes it can greatly accelerate this erosive process and reduce the lifespan of the pipe fittings and the materials they comprise of leading to leaky or rusted pipes quicker.
Poor Installation/Construction
Finally, if your pipes were installed or constructed poorly they can also lead to burst and leaking pipes over time.
This can be due to a lack of fitting, incorrectly sized pipes and fittings not being able to cope with the flow or pressure of water passing through them.
How to Tell if You have Leaking Pipe in Ceiling
It will be simple to search for the indications now that you know some typical causes of leaking or burst pipes in your ceiling.
If you are not sure what to look for apart from an obvious water leak, here are some of the most common signs of a burst or leaking pipe in your ceiling.
Buckling Or Cracking Of The Ceiling
If your ceiling is buckling, cracking, and/or bending this could also be a sign that there is water leaking into the ceiling cavity which can also create a large water bubble in the ceiling.
This could cause structural damage to existing ceilings so should be addressed as soon as possible.
Peeling Paint
Visual signs include paint flaking or peeling off. This is due to water or moisture concentrating on certain parts of the ceiling for prolonged periods of time.
Discoloration
Another visual sign is the presence of mold and mildew on the ceiling. Water damage combined with high humidity levels can cause these unsightly black spots to appear.
Ceiling Water Damage?
Call 844-488-0570 for a Risk Free estimate from a Licensed Water Damage Restoration Specialist in your area.
We Can Help Fix the Leaky or Burst Pipe in your ceiling, Dry out your ceiling & Repair any Water Damage caused.
How to Fix a Leaky Pipe in Ceiling
1.Turn Off The Electricity And Water
At the outside breaker box, turn off the electricity. Even if there are no lights above the afflicted area, you should be cautious. There may be wiring in the ceiling that needs to be removed while you work.
Turn off the water supply to your house to minimize further ceiling damage. Center a 5-gallon bucket beneath the leak and place a plastic drop cloth below the damaged area. Keep an additional bucket on hand as a precautionary measure.
2.Drain The Ceiling
In case of a Water bubble forming, Punch a hole in the ceiling at the position of the dripping water with a sharp instrument. The water should begin to drain at a steady flow. Follow up by removing any bulges near the first leak
3.Remove Wet Materials
Make a rectangular outline around the wet location. With a drywall saw, cut out the water-damaged ceiling drywall. Chunks of soggy ceiling and saturated insulation may fall as you work, so take preventative safety measures doing this.
4.Try Locate The Leak
Shine a light up and into the ceiling gap. Make sure you’ve removed all of the water-damaged material.
If you can’t see or easily access the burst or leaking pipe, it’s time to call a water damage restoration specialist.
5.Fix The Pipe
Examine the damage if you’re sure about gaining access to the pipe safely. One of these DIY pipe repair methods should suffice for small leaks.
- Plug the leak with plumber’s putty according to product
- Use fiberglass tape to wrap the length of the burst pipe
- Seal the pipe with a sleeve clamp kit from the hardware
Consider calling a specialist if it appears as though the pipe requires replacement. Refitting a pipe can be challenging especially when located in a ceiling.
6.Leave To Dry
Fans should be run for several days in the room before attempting a repair. This dries out any residual moisture left in the areas affected by the burst or leak. Otherwise, the wet ceiling materials may comprise your work.
7.Patch The Ceiling
When you’re certain everything is completely dry it is time to patch the gap in the ceiling. You will need drywall tape, joint compound and a piece of replacement drywall. Seal the hole, sand the area and prime it for painting.
Prevention Measures To Protect Against Future Leaks Or Bursts
Some preventative measures to protect against burst or leaking pipes include:
- Keeping your home’s water pressure at 60 pounds per square inch
- Frequently Inspecting all pipes for leaks, cracks and corrosion
- Repairing any issues promptly to avoid leakage problems in the future
- Paying close attention to signs of leaking in the wintertime
- Checking all valves for leaks and corrosion
How Much Does It Cost To Fix A Leaking Pipe In The Ceiling?
If you have several burst or leaking pipes, this can affect your overall costs. Expect to pay around $300-$400 for labor and materials if you are replacing only one section of the pipe. If there is more than one leaky/burst water supply line, you might have to pay more for labor and materials.
Furthermore, if the leak has damaged electrical wiring in your home, this will also affect how much it costs to fix a leaking pipe in your ceiling.
When To Call A Professional?
If you can’t locate the leak or if it doesn’t go away after trying several DIY methods, it is time to call a professional.
It’s also best to call a professional if you feel out of your depth or not skilled enough to complete the repair.
A professional can determine the cause of leaking, estimate repair costs and work to prevent the issue from happening again.
We have Water Damage Restoration Technicians that can help Find the Source of the Leak in your Ceiling ,Dry the Ceiling & Repair any Water Damage Caused.
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