My ceiling in the kitchen had a big leak this a.m., under the bathroom, after I took a shower. What can I do?

Question

There was a big wet area underneath the light fixture in the kitchen, and it's still not dry tonight. Is it safe to turn on the kitchen light?

Answer 1

Hi DeeDee,
Sorry to hear about your problem. I know you are only asking about the safety of your light but you need to find the source of the problem so it doesnt happen again.

A few questions to ask yourself:
Is this the first time its happened? Are you sure its coming from the shower? Is thier any leaks around the exterior plumbing? If none, look at the toilet, any cracks on the bottom of it? Does the floor squeek when you walk on it?
Now look at the fixture.
First what kind of fixture? Is it holding any water or is it just wet? Any yellow stains from previous leaks that you may not have noticed before?

OK a couple of things before you call in the profesionals. You need to qualify yourself before you spend too much money. If there are no leaks that you can see and this is the first time or maybe a 2nd time, more then likely you have problems with your pipes and this could only get worse if its not checked out soon. Checking the pipes can be done from the ceiling side. This will save your bathroom floor and your wallet. Sheetrock is a lot less expensive to replace then your bathroom flooring tile.

Now your light fixture- Water & Electricity dont mix. Which I know you know, so play it safe and dont turn it on. Now if it is just moist and if you are a DIY person with basic electrical knowledge, you can shut the breaker off to that fixture and remove the light. Cap the wires and leave it off till you get a professional in. Tape the switch to its off position. This will help others in your household from using it. Use other means of lighting.
Now you can breathe a little, find a good handyman. Go to your local hardware store for info and or references. ALWAYS check with the better business bureau or references on the handyman. Dont be afraid to ask tons of questions.
I wish you the best. Happy Dry Ceilings

Answer 2

Check to see if the rim of the tub has caulking or if there is an open gap that shower water can run through and get into the walls. If there is let it dry and get a squeeze tube of tub caulk at a hardware store. Squirt it into the gap and smooth it with a wet finger or a popsickle stick to make a smooth edge. That will prevent it happening again.

As far as the light fixture let it stop dripping before you turn it on. They usually dry out OK.

Answer 3

I would first clean it up and make it dry as possible to avoid BIGGER problems with mold. Then I would call my insurance company (or landlord if you rent) and find out if this type of damage is covered in my home owners insurance and get it fixed right away.
This could very well be a simple fix but don't take any chances for your safety. You don't want any accidents with electricity, fire or toxic black mold (if the water continues to leak over time.)
Seriously, you need to get this taken care of right away.

Answer 4

Get a tube of DAP tub and tile sealer and put some around the drain stopper scotchum and around your shower handle scotchum, use you finger and a rag and wipe off the excess. it sounds like water it running down the wall and behind the drain or shower unit handle sheild.

Answer 5

Call a plumber and/or an electrician.