Question 1

What causes water stains or brown spots on my ceiling?

Accepted Answer

Brown water stains on ceilings are almost always caused by a leak above — either from a roof leak, a plumbing pipe, or an HVAC condensate drain line. In two-story homes, upstairs bathroom leaks are a frequent culprit. In single-story homes, the cause is most often the roof or attic HVAC system.

Question 2

How do I find the source of ceiling water damage?

Accepted Answer

Start by going into the attic directly above the stain and looking for wet insulation, water trails on rafters, or rust stains on metal. Check the roof directly above for missing shingles or damaged flashing. If no roof damage is found, inspect HVAC drain lines and any plumbing that runs overhead.

Question 3

What does water damage ceiling repair cost in DFW?

Accepted Answer

Repairing a water-damaged ceiling in DFW ranges from $300–$1,200 for patching and repainting a small area, to $2,000–$5,000 or more if mold remediation, drywall replacement, or structural repairs are needed. The source leak must be fixed first — ceiling repairs without fixing the cause will fail.

Water Damage Ceiling Diagnosis