The short answer
If water is leaking through your ceiling, turn off the water at the stopcock, keep away from any wet lights or switches, and catch the drips with buckets and towels. If you live in a flat, tell the neighbour above straight away. Then call a plumber to find and stop the source before the ceiling is damaged further.
What to do in the first ten minutes
- Turn off the water. If the leak could be from your own pipes, turn off your stopcock.
- Make the electrics safe. If water is near a light fitting, turn off the lighting circuit at the consumer unit, if you can reach it safely and dry. Do not use the light switch.
- Catch the water. Put buckets, bowls and towels under the drips. Move furniture and electricals away.
- Watch for bulging. If the ceiling is sagging, keep people and pets out of the room. A bulging ceiling holds water and can fall.
- Find the source. Check the bathroom, kitchen or loft above. In a flat, knock on the door upstairs.
Common causes of a leaking ceiling
| Room above | Usual cause |
|---|---|
| Bathroom | Leaking shower tray, failed silicone, toilet seal or waste pipe |
| Kitchen | Leaking tap connection, dishwasher or washing machine hose |
| Loft | Overflowing cold water tank or a burst pipe |
| Flat above | Any of the above in your neighbour's home |
If the leak is from the flat above
Tell your neighbour straight away and ask them to turn off their stopcock. If you cannot reach them, contact your landlord, managing agent or freeholder. Take photos and keep a record of times and conversations for insurers.
Who pays for the damage?
Usually, the person responsible for the leaking pipe or appliance pays to repair it. Damage to ceilings is often covered by buildings insurance, and your belongings by contents insurance. In flats, the lease decides who insures what.
How a plumber helps
A plumber traces the leak to its source, often a shower tray, waste pipe or tank, stops it and repairs it. We also give a short written note of the cause, which helps with insurers and neighbours.
Related service: leak detection and repair in London.
A few common questions
What should I do if water is coming through my ceiling?expand_more
Turn off the water at your stopcock, keep away from wet lights and switches, and catch the drips with buckets and towels. If the ceiling is bulging, keep everyone out of the room. In a flat, tell the neighbour above. Then call a plumber to find the source.
Is water through the ceiling an emergency?expand_more
Yes. Water can damage ceilings, electrics and belongings quickly, and a bulging ceiling can collapse. Turn off the water and electrics if it is safe, then get a plumber out as soon as possible to stop the leak and limit the damage.
Who is responsible for water leaking from the flat above?expand_more
Usually, the owner or occupier of the flat where the leak starts is responsible for fixing it. Damage to your flat is often covered by buildings or contents insurance. Your lease may also set out who insures what, so check it and contact your managing agent.
Should I make a hole in a bulging ceiling?expand_more
Only if you can do it safely, and never near electrics. A small hole at the lowest point, with a bucket beneath, can let water drain and stop the ceiling collapsing. If in doubt, keep out of the room and wait for help.
Will insurance cover a leaking ceiling?expand_more
Buildings insurance usually covers sudden water damage to ceilings, and contents insurance covers your belongings. The repair to the leaking pipe may not be covered. Take photos before clearing up, keep a written note of the cause and contact your insurer quickly.