Water leaking through the ceiling: what to do

A wet ceiling is the place water has reached, not necessarily where the fault started. A bathroom, heating pipe, appliance or another property above may be involved.

Keep the area clear

Stay away from a sagging, bulging or visibly damaged ceiling. Do not stand underneath it, puncture it or pull down wet plaster. Keep children and pets out of the affected room. If there is an immediate danger to people, call the emergency services.

Water near light fittings, wiring or sockets adds an electrical risk. Do not touch wet switches. Only isolate electricity if the controls and route to them are safe and dry; otherwise obtain professional assistance. See Electrical Safety First’s flood advice.

Stop adding water if the source is known

If the leak followed a shower, bath or appliance cycle, stop using that fixture. Do not repeat the activity as a test. Use a known, accessible water shut-off only if it is safe to operate.

If another flat is above you, contact the occupant or building manager promptly. Turning off your own supply may not affect a leak from their pipework.

Give the plumber a useful account

Note when the water started, which room is above, and whether the flow changed after a fitting was stopped. Take photographs only from a safe position. You do not need to expose the pipe yourself.

Call for a water-leak assessment. Explain ceiling movement or electrical involvement first. A plumbing repair addresses the water source; ceiling repair, drying and electrical testing may require separate arrangements.

For next steps, see water leak repairs or leaks between flats.