Is a sagging ceiling dangerous?
Yes, treat it as urgent. A ceiling that's bulging or sagging can be holding water and may come down. Keep people and pets out of the room, move what you can, and put a bucket under any drip. Don't push on a bulge. If it's near light fixtures, turn off that circuit at the breaker if you can do so safely.
Dealing with this right now?Water damage gets worse by the hour. Compare free quotes from local restoration pros.
Common causes
- Under a bathroom: failed seals around a tub, shower or toilet, or a leaking supply line.
- Top floor: roof leaks, ice dams, or condensation from attic HVAC equipment.
- Anywhere: a leaking water pipe or drain line running through the ceiling.
How to repair a water-damaged ceiling
- Find and fix the source (roofer, plumber or HVAC tech).
- Open the ceiling where needed and dry the cavity and framing.
- Replace damaged drywall and insulation, then seal stains with a stain-blocking primer and repaint.
Painting over a stain without fixing the leak and drying the cavity just hides the problem; it usually comes back, sometimes with mold.
What it costs
Servpro reports a national average of about $1,057 for ceiling water damage repair, with most projects between $150 and $4,420 (Servpro: Ceiling water damage repair cost). Fixing the source (for example a roof repair) is extra.