Keep clear of the ceiling
Do not stand beneath sagging, bulging or damaged plaster and do not puncture or open the ceiling.
Immediate practical guidance
First actions when water comes through a ceiling.
This guide sets out immediate safety steps and the details that are useful to note from a safe position. For active water through a ceiling, see the ceiling-water problem page.
Updated 2 September 20263 min read
A safe order of action
Protect people before gathering details.
Contact the emergency services where there is an immediate threat to life or fire risk.
Treat nearby electrics cautiously
Do not touch wet lights, switches, sockets or appliances. Move away from the affected area.
Observe above and below
Only from a safe place, note the room below, possible room above and whether the visible water is active.
After immediate safety
Gather the details that matter.
After the immediate safety steps, use the water-coming-through-ceiling page to organise above-and-below details and understand the next step.
Observe only where safe
- Room where water is visible
- Whether the ceiling is sagging or damaged
- Any nearby electrical fitting
- Room or plumbing fixture above, if known
- A wider photo taken away from the damaged area
Ready to get in touch?
Send details only after the area is safe to approach.
Include the rooms above and below, current water movement and nearby electrical context without standing under damage.
A clear message helps a plumbing professional understand the next step.