Who do I call for a ceiling leak?

Which Fits Your Situation?

I don’t know where the water is coming from

Ask a plumber who checks for leaks.

Even if the drip stopped, tell them when it happened and what you noticed. Ask whether they can check for a plumbing leak before you book a visit.

What to say “Water came through my ceiling and I can’t tell where it started. Can you check for a plumbing leak? If that’s outside your work, who would you suggest?”

A pipe or plumbing fixture is leaking

Call a plumber.

Tell them which pipe, sink, toilet or other fixture is leaking and whether water is still coming through.

What to say “A plumbing leak is sending water through my ceiling. Can you stop the leak and repair it?”

I know the roof is leaking

Call a roofer who repairs leaks.

Describe the leak from what you already know. Leave the roof inspection to the roofer.

What to say “I have a roof leak and water has reached the ceiling. Can you inspect the roof and repair the leak?”

The leak was fixed, but the ceiling is still wet

Call a water damage restoration company.

Ask for a moisture check so you can decide what needs drying before anyone patches or paints the ceiling.

What to say “The leak was repaired, but the ceiling is still wet. Can you check how far the water spread and explain what needs drying?”

Browse water damage companies
I rent, or my building handles repairs

Call your building’s maintenance line or landlord.

Tell them which room is affected and whether it is still dripping. They can arrange access to a unit above yours or a shared part of the building.

What to say “Water came through the ceiling in my unit. Can you send maintenance and check whether the leak comes from upstairs or a shared line?”

Sources

  1. Fire Department of New York: Water leaks and interruptionsFire Department of the City of New YorkNew York City apartment emergency guidancePage 20 covers water entering electrical wiring and reporting a leak to the building owner or manager.Link and scope checked November 5, 2026
  2. American Red Cross: Checking your home’s structureAmerican Red CrossUnited States disaster recovery guidanceWet, sagging ceilings can be heavy enough to collapse.Link and scope checked November 5, 2026
  3. National 911 Program: Calling 911National 911 ProgramUnited States emergency response guidanceWhen immediate police, fire or ambulance assistance is needed and what to tell the dispatcher.Link and scope checked November 5, 2026
  4. Bureau of Labor Statistics: What plumbers doU.S. Bureau of Labor StatisticsUnited States occupational descriptionPlumbers inspect, troubleshoot and repair plumbing systems, pipes and fixtures.Link and scope checked November 5, 2026
  5. Bureau of Labor Statistics: What roofers doU.S. Bureau of Labor StatisticsUnited States occupational descriptionRoofers inspect problems with roofs and repair roofing systems.Link and scope checked November 5, 2026
  6. Environmental Protection Agency: Moisture control after a leakU.S. Environmental Protection AgencyUnited States homeowner guidanceFixing the water source, promptly drying wet materials and seeking professional help for extensive damage.Link and scope checked November 5, 2026

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