How to Deal With Water Leaking From the Ceiling

A ceiling leak is one of the most stressful plumbing emergencies a homeowner or landlord can face. Whether it’s a slow drip or a full-on downpour, water leaking from your ceiling needs immediate attention to prevent further damage, mould growth, or structural issues.

At Pleasant Plumbers, we respond to leak emergencies across London every day. Here's what to do the moment you spot water coming through your ceiling — and how to prevent future issues.

If water is near electrical fittings or lights, turn off the power at the consumer unit (fuse box) immediately.
Never touch wet light switches, ceiling fixtures, or plugs.

• Place a bucket or bowl under the leak to catch water
• Lay down towels or plastic sheets to protect floors and furniture
• If water is pooling behind the ceiling, poke a small hole with a screwdriver to allow it to drain safely and relieve pressure

• If you suspect the leak is from a pipe, boiler, or tank, turn off the main stopcock (usually under the kitchen sink or near the front door)
• If the leak is under an upstairs bathroom, stop using the taps, toilet, or shower in that area

Common causes of ceiling leaks include:

• Burst or leaking pipework (central heating, bathroom, or loft tank)
• Faulty shower seals or grouting
• Leaking toilet waste pipes or feed pipes
• Boiler or heating system faults
• Rainwater ingress through the roof or guttering

Use the location of the leak to guide your inspection. If the leak is under a bathroom, it’s likely plumbing-related. If it appears after heavy rain, it may be external.

Ceiling leaks often have hidden causes and can lead to serious water damage if left unresolved.
At Pleasant Plumbers, we use moisture meters, pipe tracers, and thermal imaging to pinpoint the source — and fix it properly.

Call our Emergency Team on 0800 046 1000

• Don’t patch or paint over a water-stained ceiling until the cause has been found and repaired
• If you're a landlord, document the issue for your insurer and inform tenants of the action being taken
• Leaks involving waste pipes or tanks in the loft can lead to dangerous contamination or collapse — always act quickly

Our emergency plumbing team is available across London to locate and repair ceiling leaks quickly and safely — with minimal disruption and full transparency.

📲 Call or WhatsApp 0800 046 1000
📧 Email [email protected]
🌐 Visit pleasantplumbers.com

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