Is a Dripping Ceiling an Emergency? Here’s How to Check.
Emergency Plumbing
You look up and see a growing water stain or a bubble in the paint on your ceiling. Do you call an emergency plumber immediately, or can it wait until morning?
When It IS an Emergency
- Water is pouring or dripping fast: This indicates a pressurized supply line has burst. You must shut off the water immediately to prevent the ceiling from collapsing.
- The ceiling is sagging: The drywall is saturated and heavy. It could fall at any moment. Poke a small hole in the center with a screwdriver to drain the water into a bucket and relieve the weight.
When It Can Wait
- Slow stain: If the spot is dry to the touch or growing very slowly, it might be a slow drain leak or a roof leak. You can likely wait for regular business hours.
- Occurs only when raining: This is a roofing issue, not a plumbing one. A plumber cannot fix a leaky roof.