If water is uncontrolled or approaching electrical equipment, prioritise safety and call a plumber. The guidance below is general and does not replace an inspection.

Understanding the issue

A bulging ceiling can hold a surprising weight of water. Keep people out of the affected area and avoid standing underneath to investigate. The plumbing source may be upstairs or concealed, so a stain alone cannot identify the failed fitting.

Before arranging the visit

Tell the plumber which rooms are above the leak and whether water is still spreading.

Choosing the appropriate plumbing visit

We start with the source of the water, the nearest isolation point and any immediate risk to the building. Our emergency plumbing page explains the related work and how an assessment is arranged.

Where the findings point to emergency ceiling leak investigation, read the emergency ceiling leak investigation service details before discussing the repair scope. The actual fitting and access determine the work needed.

Information worth keeping

Record when the issue occurs, the affected room and any previous repair. For a property in our home area, plumbing in West Bridgford explains the local enquiry route; check the coverage directory for another postcode.

Connected questions

For a related question about emergency plumbing, the guide What to tell a plumber about an overflowing toilet explains what to record next.

For a related question about emergency plumbing, the guide Water near a socket: planning the plumbing response explains what to record next.