Restoration service
Ceiling leak water damage
Ceiling water damage comes from above: an attic AC unit's condensate line or pan, a roof leak, or a supply pipe in the attic. Wet insulation is removed, the ceiling is dried or cut out, and the source is repaired before the ceiling is patched and textured.
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- Phoenix metro
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How the job runs
- 1Find the sourceThe technician checks the attic AC unit, pan and condensate line, roof and attic plumbing.
- 2Remove wet insulationWet blown-in or batt insulation is bagged out; it rarely dries in place.
- 3Dry or remove drywallLightly wet ceilings can be dried from above; saturated or sagging sections are cut out.
Many Valley homes have their AC air handler in the attic. When the condensate line clogs or the drain pan rusts through, water collects on the ceiling drywall directly below. It often starts as a small brown ring in a hallway or closet.
Drywall ceilings lose strength fast when wet. A sagging ceiling can hold a surprising amount of water and should be treated as a safety issue.
Ceiling leak water damage at a glance
- Most common Valley cause
- Attic AC condensate overflow
- Safety concern
- Sagging drywall and light fixtures
- Insulation
- Usually removed and replaced
- Source repair
- HVAC tech, roofer or plumber
Warning signs
Signs you need ceiling leak water damage
- A yellow or brown ring on the ceiling near a hallway or AC return
- Water dripping from a light fixture, fan or vent
- Bubbling or peeling ceiling paint
- A sagging or soft section of drywall
- Water on the floor under the AC closet or return grille
Process
What the restoration company does
- 1
Find the source
The technician checks the attic AC unit, pan and condensate line, roof and attic plumbing.
- 2
Remove wet insulation
Wet blown-in or batt insulation is bagged out; it rarely dries in place.
- 3
Dry or remove drywall
Lightly wet ceilings can be dried from above; saturated or sagging sections are cut out.
- 4
Repair and match
Drywall is replaced, textured to match and painted after the source is fixed.
Cost
What affects the cost
Every loss is different, so honest pricing starts with an on-site assessment. These are the factors that move the number.
- Size of the wet area and whether drywall must be replaced
- Amount of attic insulation to remove and replace
- Texture matching (popcorn, knockdown or smooth)
- Whether popcorn texture needs asbestos testing first in older homes
Safe to do now
- Turn off the AC at the thermostat if the leak is under the air handler
- Put a bucket and tarp under the drip
- Check the condensate line outlet outside for a clog
Stop and call if
- The ceiling is sagging or cracking
- Water is near a light fixture or fan
- The home was built before the 1980s and the ceiling has popcorn texture
FAQ
Ceiling leak water damage: common questions
Why is my AC leaking through the ceiling?
The most common cause is a clogged condensate drain line, which backs water into the drain pan until it overflows. A rusted pan or a failed float switch can let that water reach the ceiling.
Can a wet ceiling be dried without replacing it?
Sometimes. If the drywall is only lightly damp, firm and not sagging, it can be dried from the attic side. Saturated, sagging or stained sections are usually replaced.
Common in these Valley cities
Water where it shouldn't be?
Shut off the water, then call. One call connects you with an independent restoration company near you.
Fast call-back for active leaks