How to Repair Ceiling Water Stains

Do not let those water discolorations hang over your head– a do it yourself repair is simply a weekend away!

A water stain on a ceiling is a foreboding sight. Not just is it awful, however it likewise typically indicates that something is actively dripping, and more damage might be concealed.

However do not worry– repairing a water stain is quite uncomplicated. If you follow this basic guide, you’ll be prepared to handle any staining you discover on your ceilings.

Discover the source

Initially, examine to see if there is any water on the flooring listed below the stain. This will assist figure out if the leakage is still in development and how greatly it’s dripping.

If water is on the flooring, you’ll require to set towels or pails to gather any staying leaking water. Extreme water on your flooring can stain carpets and buckle wood floorings, so it’s finest to dry it as quickly as possible.

You may be lured to fix flooring damage at this time also, however it’s most likely best to wait till after you have actually completed all of the deal with the ceiling, consisting of the painting. You would not wish to spill paint on a new carpet or on your brand-new wood floorings.

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Stop the leakage

Water leakages can be brought on by used gaskets or stopped working fittings. If your pipelines appear dry however you think the leakage still exists, attempt running water into the gadget above the stain. For instance, fill and drain your tub. That need to suffice to expose the issue if it still exists.

If you have a leakage, you can either work with a plumbing technician or effort to fix it yourself. The majority of pipes repair work are relatively basic and can be carried out by a lot of ready house owners. Some older water discolorations might have been from a pipes leakage that was fixed years earlier, however the stain itself was never ever appropriately resolved.

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Repair the stain

Examine to see if the ceiling is damp or simply stained. The majority of water discolorations will be on the ceiling listed below a restroom component.

If the ceiling is damp …

1. Poke a hole in the center of the water stain with a drill bit. Have a pail on hand to capture extra water that’s caught behind the ceiling.
2. Look for mold (see novice idea listed below).
3. Repair the pipes problem or work with an expert.
4. Make certain the drywall and the joists in the ceiling are dry prior to covering the ceiling. Covering a drywall hole in a ceiling is an extremely tough job for a novice. If you do not feel great in your joint substance abilities, then it may be best to hire this part of the repair work.
5. After the drywall spot is total, use 2 coats of guide and 2 coats of flat paint.
6. Plume your painting to make certain it properly mixes with the rest of your ceiling.

Novice idea: Try to find active mold development in your ceiling area on the joists and on the back of the eliminated drywall paper. Mold grows easily in dark and wet locations– and a damp ceiling area is a perfect environment. If you discover mold that you are uncertain of, quit working right away and call an expert.

If the ceiling is dry …

1. If it’s not apparent where the stain is originating from, you can cut a hole in your ceiling with a drywall knife to expose the location above the stain. Try to find damp or leaking pipelines because ceiling area. Slow, consistent leakages from tubs or showers can often take place periodically.
2. If you make certain you are dealing with an old stain and not an active issue, you do not require to cut into the ceiling. Nevertheless, if you are worried about mold, you might wish to examine.
3. If you didn’t change any drywall, then utilize an obstructing guide and your picked paint color to conceal the stain.
4. After the drywall spot is total, use 2 coats of guide and 2 coats of flat paint.

Novice idea: Oil-based guides will conceal discolorations much better than water-based guides, however they are a lot more tough to deal with and tidy. Water-based guides do not conceal discolorations also and may need an additional coat, however brushes and rollers can usually be cleaned up with soap and water.

Water leakages are a genuine discomfort, however with a little drywall, guide and paint, you’ll be well on your method to a clean ceiling.

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Initially released October 5, 2016.