Why Is Water Leaking Through the Ceiling From My Light Fixture?

Water leaks are one of the most frustrating problems a homeowner can experience. They often originate from an unknown source, and they can cause significant (and costly) damage if not addressed right away. Here are some tips from our team at Dublin Plumbing & Drain for identifying the cause of a leaking ceiling and fixing it quickly.

What Causes Ceiling Leaks?

The most common cause of a leaky ceiling is from damage to the roof or attic. The roof may be damaged in several ways:

• By falling tree branches
• Through hail and wind damage
• Due to ice dams on your eaves that melt and drip into your house (this is common in the winter)

The attic may also be damaged by leaks in your pipes, causing water to drip through your ceiling. Water can also seep through cracks in the outside walls of your house, which will cause water stains on nearby ceilings as well as peeling paint if left untreated for a long time. Other causes include water leaks from your plumbing and general humidity. Water leaks from shower heads or other pipes are usually caused by mineral deposits collecting inside them over time, which then block off water flow through them all together. This will require a replacement rather than repair work! Additionally (and perhaps most importantly), these deposits can build up behind walls where pipes run, which leads to water leaking through the holes in the ceilings, such as where light fixtures are attached. We’ve also heard this problem called “Why is it raining in my kitchen?” It’s like a rain cloud in your home. The humidity in your home collects at the ceiling and appears to be leaking from above but is actually condensation around your fixture. In this case, all you need to do is make sure you’re running a dehumidifier or a large house fan to circulate the air in the room.

How Do You Repair a Leaky Ceiling?

If the leak is small and you’re handy, you can probably fix it yourself. However, if the leak is large or coming from above your ceiling, consult a professional. Sometimes leaks are caused by faulty plumbing in your home that needs to be repaired by a professional plumber, such as those at Dublin Plumbing & Drain.

• Check your roof for any leaks and patch any damaged areas with new shingles.
• If your plumbing is faulty, locate the leaky pipe and replace it. You may need to remove plaster or drywall to access the pipe.
• Once the leak is repaired, remove the base plate of your light fixture and replace it with a new one (if your fixture is metal).
• Repair any cracks in the plaster or drywall around the fixture with joint compound and sandpaper. If you see any mold, cut out the area completely and spray the surrounding area with a mold preventer.
• Consider purchasing an LED bulb that does not emit heat to better protect against the warping of your ceiling’s finish.

Do You Need a Plumber to Repair a Ceiling Leak?

We hope you now understand why the light fixture in your ceiling is leaking. Hopefully, it’s a simple issue that can be fixed with minimal time and cost. But, if the problem is more severe, know that there are options for you to consider, such as calling the professional plumbers at Dublin Plumbing & Drain. Call (614) 547-9979 or schedule an appointment online by clicking here.