You’re right to be alarmed if you discover a water mark on your ceiling. Not only is it a visible eyesore, but it’s also indicative of a significant problem somewhere in the home. Whether it’s due to a broken pipe or roof damage, you need to identify the source of the issue rather than simply fixing the stain. Otherwise, it’s likely to occur again. Here’s what all homeowners should know about those unsightly ceiling stains.

How They Develop

Ceiling stains caused by water are usually the last sign that there’s a problem, which is unfortunate for homeowners; by then, the situation may be considerably worse and trickier to resolve.

As the moisture seeps through the ceiling materials, it evaporates. What’s left behind is a patch of dry mineral deposits—or the yellowish or brownish mark that alerts you to a problem.

What Causes Them

There are several common culprits that may be responsible for ceiling water marks. There may be a fixture leaking directly above the affected area, in which case you can likely trace the problem quickly. It could also be due to a broken pipe. Even slow drips can travel along pipes and rafters before seeping into the ceiling and eventually causing a stain.

Aging pipes can cause trouble, too, especially if they’ve weakened with time or are so poorly insulated that they’re sweating condensation. Homes with hard water may be particularly vulnerable, as scale buildup can slowly cause pipe material to wear away. A damaged roofing system could also be to blame, especially if the stain forms in the aftermath of a snowstorm. There could be an ice dam or shingle damage.

How to Fix Them

The key is to fix the source of the problem before resolving the actual ceiling stain. If you suspect there’s a broken pipe somewhere, have a plumber perform a thorough investigation. If it’s been a while since you had your roof inspected, hire a professional to check that there is no damage anywhere in the system, or that the gutters aren’t clogged and inadvertently causing moisture to seep into the house.

Once the cause is fixed, you can then tackle the stain. What happens next depends largely on the severity of the damage. If the leak was significant and the water damage widespread, your contractor may need to replace the drywall first. Otherwise, it may be possible to simply repaint the affected area.

If you’re concerned about a broken pipe, turn to the team at K & G Plumbing & Heating. Proudly serving clients throughout Adams County, NE, since 1992, the company offers a wide range of services, including plumbing repairs and septic system maintenance and installation. To find out more about how they can help you, visit the website, or call them at (402) 463-4470 to schedule an appointment.