Do This Right Now

1. Stop the water. Shut off the water supply to the area, or the main if you can’t find the source. In Las Vegas, A/C condensate lines and water heaters in the attic are common culprits.
2. Keep people out from under it. If the ceiling is sagging or bulging, don’t poke it. Move furniture and valuables out of the room.
3. Turn off power to lights or fans in the wet area at the breaker.
4. Take photos and video of the ceiling, the source and anything damaged — before cleanup.
5. Don’t scrape or cut a wet popcorn ceiling. In older homes it may contain asbestos, and wet, crumbling texture is easier to spread.
6. Call your insurer if it was a sudden leak, then get a written repair estimate.

Common Causes of Ceiling Water Damage in Las Vegas

• A/C condensate lines and drain pans — clogged lines in attic units overflow, especially in summer.
• Roof leaks — monsoon storms, cracked tiles, worn underlayment and flashing.
• Plumbing — supply lines, water heaters and bathroom fixtures on a second floor.
• Swamp coolers on older homes.
• Condensation around poorly sealed ducts in hot attics.

How the Repair Works

1. Find and fix the source. The leak has to be stopped first — roof, plumbing or HVAC.
2. Moisture check. A moisture meter tells you how far the water spread. Wet insulation and drywall may need to come out.
3. Asbestos test for older ceilings. If your home was built before the mid-1980s, the damaged texture is sampled before any cutting.
4. Dry out. Fans and dehumidifiers until readings are normal. Signs of mold get handled before closing up.
5. Replace damaged drywall. Cut out, re-hang, tape and mud.
6. Match texture, prime and paint. Stain-blocking primer stops brown rings from bleeding back through.

Will Insurance Pay for It?

Many homeowners policies cover sudden and accidental water damage — like a burst supply line — but not slow leaks or long-term wear. If asbestos is disturbed by a covered leak, some of the cleanup may be covered too. Document everything and ask for an itemized estimate. Read does homeowners insurance cover asbestos removal.

Serving Las Vegas, Henderson, Summerlin, North Las Vegas, Spring Valley, Boulder City and Pahrump. See all service areas.

Ceiling Water Damage Questions

How fast does mold grow after a ceiling leak?

Mold can start growing within 24 to 48 hours on wet drywall and insulation. That’s why drying out fast matters.

Can I just paint over a water stain?

Only after the leak is fixed and the drywall is fully dry and solid. Use a stain-blocking primer first or the stain will come back. Soft or sagging drywall must be replaced.

Is a sagging wet ceiling dangerous?

Yes. Wet drywall is heavy and can fall. Keep people and pets out of the room and call for help.

My ceiling is popcorn and it’s wet. What now?

Don’t scrape it. Wet popcorn can crumble and spread. Get it tested if your home was built before the mid-1980s. See popcorn ceiling water damage.