How To Fix A Leaking Ceiling (with Pictures) - WikiHow

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Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Fix a Leaking Ceiling PDF download Download Article A guide to removing and replacing ceiling damage Co-authored by Nick Yahoodain

Last Updated: February 24, 2025

PDF download Download Article
  • Draining the Leak
    • |
  • Removing the Damaged Ceiling
    • |
  • Replacing the Damaged Ceiling
    • |
  • Video
    • |
  • Expert Q&A
    • |
  • Tips
    • |
  • Things You'll Need
|Show more |Show less ARTICLE VIDEO X

This article was co-authored by Nick Yahoodain. Nick Yahoodain is a General Contractor and the CEO of Advanced Builders & Contractors in Los Angeles, California. With over 16 years of experience, Nick specializes in large residential projects such as new construction, developments, major renovations, additions, and hillside construction. Advanced Builders & Contractors is a member of the BBB, is licensed by the Contractors State License Board, and is fully bonded and insured. Advanced Builders & Contractors has been featured on NBC News, Elle Decor, Architectural Digest, and Voyage LA. This article has been viewed 259,404 times.

A leaking ceiling can cause serious damage to your house if you don't take care of it immediately. Before fixing your ceiling, make sure that you determine the source of the leak and fix it. After you fix the source of the leak, you can drain water from your ceiling and take the proper steps to replace the damage.

Steps

Part 1 Part 1 of 3:

Draining the Leak

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  1. Step 1 Look for identifiable signs of moisture. 1 Look for identifiable signs of moisture. To fix the leak, you'll have to locate the area of your ceiling that is leaking water. If you're unsure of where the water is coming from, look for drywall panels that are sagging or crumbling. You may also notice areas of the ceiling with coffee-colored stains.
  2. Step 2 Lay down drop cloths or tarps under the leak. 2 Lay down drop cloths or tarps under the leak. Putting down drop cloths or a plastic tarp underneath the bucket will prevent your floors and furniture from getting wet. It will also help collect debris as you replace the water damaged portion of your ceiling.[1] Advertisement
  3. Step 3 Put a bucket under the leak. 3 Put a bucket under the leak. A bucket or container will be able to catch the water that's coming from your ceiling. This will prevent water damage to your floors and will help catch the water from your ceiling once you start draining the leak.
  4. Step 4 Puncture the ceiling with a screwdriver to drain the leak. 4 Puncture the ceiling with a screwdriver to drain the leak. Use a screwdriver and push it into the center of the location of the leak. Create the hole away from the ceiling's framing boards. This will cause the water to drain from the ceiling and can help relieve additional water damage. Keep the bucket under the water damaged ceiling so that it can catch the water when you puncture it.[2]
    • If water accumulates over your ceiling the water can weigh down your ceiling and create a large hole or cause it to collapse.
    • If you create a larger hole, you may be able to see where the leak is coming from more easily.
  5. Step 5 Repair the source of the leak to prevent future damage. 5 Repair the source of the leak to prevent future damage. Before you replace the portion of your ceiling that's leaking, it's important to fix the source of the leak. Common sources of ceiling leaks include faulty pipes or cracks in your roof. Once you drain the leak, it's important to call a professional roof specialist or handyman who can fix the source of the leak.
    • If the leak is under an area with a kitchen, a bathroom, or some other type of plumbing, this is likely the source of the problem.[3]
    • Other problem areas might include damaged flashing around a roof pipe, a pierced gutter, or a skylight that isn't properly sealed.[4]
    • Another cause of leaks is faulty air conditioning. Your air conditioner's condensate lines could be clogged, leading to overflow that can cause ceiling leaks.
    6. Advertisement
Part 2 Part 2 of 3:

Removing the Damaged Ceiling

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  1. Step 1 Cut a small inspection hole into the drywall. 1 Cut a small inspection hole into the drywall. Turn off your electricity before cutting your inspection hole. Before you replace your damaged ceiling, you'll need to know what's on the other side of your ceiling. Cut a small square hole that's deep enough to cut through the drywall, but not deep enough to penetrate anything on the other side. If you cut the hole and see electrical wires, plumbing, gas lines, or HVAC ducts you may need to hire a professional to replace your ceiling.
  2. Step 2 Draw a box around the water damage. 2 Draw a box around the water damage. Once you make sure that you won't damage anything behind the ceiling you can start to remove the water damaged ceiling. Use a framing square to draw a box around the portion of your ceiling that has water damage.
    • A framing square will create a square hole that is easier to patch.
    • If the damage is more than 6x6 inches (15.24x15.24 cm) then you should seek professional guidance to fix your leaking ceiling.
  3. Step 3 Cut around the water damage. 3 Cut around the water damage. Using the lines as a guide, cut into the ceiling with a utility saw and start to cut away the damaged drywall. Once you cut the lines, you can use a small prying instrument to remove the damaged drywall from the ceiling.
    • Try not to remove any more of the ceiling than you need to. It's a lot easier to fix a 1 ft (0.30 m) square patch than an entire ceiling.[5]
  4. Step 4 Measure the cutout piece of drywall. 4 Measure the cutout piece of drywall. Use a tape measure or ruler to get the exact dimensions of the drywall that you cut out. Measuring the cut-out piece of drywall will give you the needed dimensions for the drywall replacement.
    5. Advertisement
Part 3 Part 3 of 3:

Replacing the Damaged Ceiling

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  1. Step 1 Cut two pieces wood. 1 Cut two pieces wood. Use a saw to cut 2 pieces of 9x4x1/2 inch (22.86x10.16x1.27 cm) plywood. These pieces of wood will act as a brace for your drywall. If you cut a hole in your ceiling and you have a metal runner or ceiling beam, then you won't need to create these wooden braces because you can screw directly into the runner or beams instead.
    • Alternatively, you could cut back the drywall to the center of each of the closest framing members, which would allow you to skip this step.
  2. Step 2 Screw the wooden braces inside of your ceiling hole. 2 Screw the wooden braces inside of your ceiling hole. Put the wooden braces that you made out of plywood into the hole and lay it flat over your ceiling, so there is a two inch (5.08 cm) overlap over your hole. Then, screw in two screws through your existing ceiling and into the beam. The screws should be on the top and bottom of each piece of wood. Repeat the process on the other side of the hole.
  3. Step 3 Cut out a piece of drywall that's 2 inches (5.08 cm) wider and longer than the hole. 3 Cut out a piece of drywall that's 2 inches (5.08 cm) wider and longer than the hole. Cutting your replacement drywall two inches longer and wider will leave one inch (2.54 cm) of slack on each side.
    • This is called a hot patch and only recommended to be done on smaller 2-inch x 2-inch (5 cm x 5 cm) patches.
  4. Step 4 Measure and mark 1 inch (2.54 cm) from the edge of each side of the drywall piece. 4 Measure and mark 1 inch (2.54 cm) from the edge of each side of the drywall piece. Turn over the drywall square and use a ruler to measure 1 inch (2.54 cm) in from each edge of the drywall. Then, use a straight edge to draw vertical and horizontal lines so that it looks like a 1 inch wide (2.54 cm) frame around the drywall piece. This slack will let you blend your replacement drywall in with your ceiling so that it lies flush.
  5. Step 5 Cut through the back layer of the drywall, leaving the front layer of paper. 5 Cut through the back layer of the drywall, leaving the front layer of paper. With a utility knife, cut through the back layer of paper and the drywall gypsum until you reach the front layer of the drywall. Use the marks that you made on the back of the drywall as a guide while you cut. Then, use a putty knife to carefully peel back the back layer of paper and drywall gypsum, so that the front side facing paper forms a 1 inch (2.54 cm) frame around your drywall patch.
    • Make sure not to cut too deeply, or you will cut into the front layer of the drywall.
    • You will use the front layer of paper to help blend in your repairs.
  6. Step 6 Apply a thin layer of joint compound around the hole. 6 Apply a thin layer of joint compound around the hole. Your drywall patch can be held in place with lightweight or all-purpose drywall compound. You can purchase this compound online or at a hardware store.[6] Apply the joint compound with a trowel to the edges of the hole. Then, with the trowel, carefully spread it around so that it's evenly distributed.
  7. Step 7 Push your replacement drywall into the hole. 7 Push your replacement drywall into the hole. On an angle, push your replacement piece of drywall into the hole. Then, adjust the drywall so that it lies flush with your ceiling. The beams that you screwed in earlier will act like a backboard for your new drywall.
  8. Step 8 Screw the drywall into your wooden braces. 8 Screw the drywall into your wooden braces. Use a power drill to attach the new drywall patch to the wooden braces that you created earlier. Put screws into each corner of the drywall patch to secure it fully.
    • For small patches up to 2-inch x 2-inch (5 cm x 5 cm), you don't have to use screws. Instead, you can use drywall paper to fasten your patch.
  9. Step 9 Work the compound over the surface of your new drywall. 9 Work the compound over the surface of your new drywall. Use the trowel to spread the drywall compound over the surface of your drywall replacement piece. Work the edges of the front facing paper into the ceiling with the compound until there are no visible screws and you can't see the edges of the patch.
    • This will require a few coats of compound.
  10. Step 10 Allow the drywall compound to dry overnight. 10 Allow the drywall compound to dry overnight. You can check if it's dry by touching the surface of the drywall compound with your hand. You must let it fully dry before you can sand and paint it.
  11. Step 11 Sand the ceiling and remove excess joint compound. 11 Sand the ceiling and remove excess joint compound. Use a fine-grit sandpaper to sand down the surface of the new drywall. Continue to use a hand sander so that the new drywall lays flush with your ceiling and you can't see the edges of the patch.
    • You can also use a drywall sanding sponge that's made specifically for drywall.
  12. Step 12 Paint over your new drywall patch. 12 Paint over your new drywall patch. Paint over the new drywall paint using the same paint that was used for your ceiling. If you don't have the original color, you may need to re-paint your entire ceiling so that the new drywall isn't visible.
    • Be sure to prime the area before you paint it.
    13. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

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  • Question What might be causing my ceiling to leak? Nick Yahoodain Nick Yahoodain General Contractor Nick Yahoodain is a General Contractor and the CEO of Advanced Builders & Contractors in Los Angeles, California. With over 16 years of experience, Nick specializes in large residential projects such as new construction, developments, major renovations, additions, and hillside construction. Advanced Builders & Contractors is a member of the BBB, is licensed by the Contractors State License Board, and is fully bonded and insured. Advanced Builders & Contractors has been featured on NBC News, Elle Decor, Architectural Digest, and Voyage LA. Nick Yahoodain Nick Yahoodain General Contractor Expert Answer If you live in a multi-story building and the ceiling is beneath a kitchen, bathroom, or other type of plumbing, there's probably a water line or drain line that's leaking. If not, check out the roof—the flashing around a particular pipe might be bad, one of the gutters might be pierced, or a skylight might be bad. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 1 Helpful 2
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Video

Read Video Transcript

Things You'll Need

  • Drop cloths or tarps
  • Ladder
  • Bucket
  • Screwdriver
  • Utility knife
  • Saw
  • Power drill
  • Trowel
  • Screws
  • Drywall
  • Drywall paper (optional)
  • Fine-grit sandpaper
  • Lightweight or all-purpose drywall compound

Tips

  • If you need to replace plumbing, pipes, or your roof, you should contact a professional. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0
  • Keep the drop cloths on your floor and furniture until you're finished with the project. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 3
  • Remember to wear a facemask and goggles when working with drywall. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 1
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

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References

  1. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4WsmegFgV2s
  2. ↑ https://www.churchill.com/home-insurance/tips/severe-weather/storm-ceiling-damage#.WUGxGWjyvcc
  3. ↑ Nick Yahoodain. General Contractor. Expert Interview
  4. ↑ Nick Yahoodain. General Contractor. Expert Interview
  5. ↑ Nick Yahoodain. General Contractor. Expert Interview
  6. ↑ http://www.popularmechanics.com/home/interior-projects/how-to/a185/easy-drywall-repair/

About This Article

Nick Yahoodain Co-authored by: Nick Yahoodain General Contractor This article was co-authored by Nick Yahoodain. Nick Yahoodain is a General Contractor and the CEO of Advanced Builders & Contractors in Los Angeles, California. With over 16 years of experience, Nick specializes in large residential projects such as new construction, developments, major renovations, additions, and hillside construction. Advanced Builders & Contractors is a member of the BBB, is licensed by the Contractors State License Board, and is fully bonded and insured. Advanced Builders & Contractors has been featured on NBC News, Elle Decor, Architectural Digest, and Voyage LA. This article has been viewed 259,404 times. 21 votes - 57% Co-authors: 9 Updated: February 24, 2025 Views: 259,404 Categories: Ceilings Article SummaryX

To fix a leaking ceiling, first identify where the water is coming from by looking for parts of the ceiling that are sagging or stained. Lay down drop cloths or a tarp and a bucket under the leak to gather water and prevent further damage. Then, push a screwdriver into the center of the leaking area to drain the water. Before you replace the affected part of your ceiling, repair the cause of the leak, which might be a crack in your roof or faulty pipework. When you’re ready to remove the damaged ceiling, cut a square around the affected part and dispose of the drywall. After that, cut 2 braces out of 9 by 1 inch plywood and screw them into the hole with a slight overlap on each side. Finally, insert a new piece of drywall that’s cut to size. For tips from our Contractor co-author on how to prepare a new piece of drywall for installation, keep reading! Did this summary help you?YesNo

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Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Nick Yahoodain Co-authored by: Nick Yahoodain General Contractor 21 votes - 57% Click a star to vote Co-authors: 9 Updated: February 24, 2025 Views: 259,404 Jen G.

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