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Ceiling Water Damage Repair in Richardson, TX
A ceiling stain means water is getting in from above, and it has usually soaked the insulation and drywall before you see it. If the ceiling is sagging, keep everyone out from under it and call (972) 947-2040. Find the source, dry the space above, then repair.
Right now
If water is coming through the ceiling
- Move people, pets, electronics and furniture out from under the wet area.
- Turn off the lights and ceiling fan in that room, and the breaker if water is near fixtures.
- Put down buckets and towels to catch drips.
- If the water is from plumbing, shut off the main water valve; if it’s raining, call a roofer for a tarp.
- Photograph the ceiling and anything damaged before cleanup.
Sagging or bulging?
A ceiling holding water can fall. Don’t stand under it and don’t try to push it back up.
Common causes
Where ceiling leaks come from in Richardson
- Roof damage after hail. In 2026 there were 14 hail reports within 10 miles of Richardson, including 1.75-inch hail measured in the city on April 27. Damaged shingles can leak into attic insulation and show up on ceilings weeks later.
- AC condensate lines and attic drain pans. Many North Texas homes have the air handler in the attic. A clogged condensate line or rusted pan can overflow straight into the ceiling below, often in summer.
- Upstairs bathrooms. Failed toilet seals, tub and shower drains and supply lines leak into the ceiling of the room below.
- Attic water heaters. Some homes have the water heater in the attic, where a failed tank lands on the ceiling.
- Supply lines in the ceiling. Especially lines in exterior walls and attics that freeze in a cold snap.
What happens next
How ceiling water damage is dried and repaired
- Find and stop the source. Roofer, plumber or HVAC tech, depending on the cause.
- Map the moisture. Meters and a thermal camera show how far water spread across the ceiling and down walls.
- Remove what can’t be saved. Wet insulation and badly saturated or sagging drywall usually come out.
- Dry the space. Air movers and dehumidifiers dry the framing and remaining drywall, checked with daily readings.
- Repair. New drywall, texture, primer and paint once everything reads dry.
See structural drying for how drying is measured. What will it cost? See the Richardson cost guide. Filing a claim? See the insurance claim guide.
Insurance
Is ceiling water damage covered?
It depends on the cause. Sudden damage, like a supply line that bursts or storm damage to the roof, is commonly covered by Texas homeowner policies. Slow leaks and wear-and-tear problems, like a drain pan that rusted through over years, are more often excluded. See our insurance claim guide.
We serve every Richardson ZIP code: 75080, 75081 and 75082, on both the Dallas County and Collin County sides of the city.
Related guides: signs of hidden water damage.
FAQ
Ceiling water damage FAQs
Is a sagging, wet ceiling dangerous?
It can be. Wet drywall gets heavy and can come down without much warning, especially if water is pooling above it. Keep people and pets out from under it, turn off lights and fans in that room, and don’t poke it unless you know it’s safe to drain into a bucket.
Should I poke a hole in a bulging ceiling?
Professionals sometimes make a small hole to drain trapped water in a controlled way, with a bucket underneath and the power off. Don’t do it if the ceiling is sagging badly, if you’d have to stand on a ladder under it, or if a light fixture is nearby.
Can a water-stained ceiling be painted over?
Only after the leak is fixed and the drywall and insulation above are confirmed dry with a moisture meter. A stain-blocking primer goes on first. Painting over a damp ceiling traps moisture and the stain usually comes back.
Why is my ceiling leaking when it isn’t raining?
Common dry-weather causes are an upstairs bathroom (toilet seal, tub or shower drain), an AC condensate line or overflowing drain pan in the attic, a water heater in the attic, or a supply line in the ceiling.
Sources for this page
Last updated October 2026.
Water coming through the ceiling?
Get people out from under it, shut off the water, and call.