Jeff Rooks

I'm very sorry to hear about this and hope everyone is safe. It's hard to make accurate recommendations without seeing the damage. However, based on what you've explained it should be safe to enter the area and remove items. You should take safety precautions when in the area, including wearing pants, long sleeves, and close-toed shoes. If there is dust or visible mold, you should also wear goggles or safety glasses, thick gloves, and face mask. Use heavy duty contractor garbage bags to dispose of damaged ceiling material and other debris. If the area is still wet, use dehumidifiers and...

Hi Cyn. Unfortunately, we don't have building inspectors within our network. Building codes vary widely state to state and city to city, so I suggest contacting your local government offices. They may have a department of building inspections or another organization that can assist. Sorry I couldn't be more help. Best of luck.

Hi Charisse, I'm so sorry to hear about this. Without some type of water damage or another indicator of where the water is going, it's impossible to diagnose. The only suggestion I have is to call a local plumber for an inspection. They can identify the cause and come up with a solution. I wish I could be more help. Best of luck identifying and fixing the problem.

Hi Tania, Based on what you've said, the situation sounds low risk. However, mold and water damage can lead to issues in the future. If the area supports a ceiling light or ceiling fan or show signs of deterioration, it's probably best to remove and replace that section. If the cause of the water is permanently fixed and there is only a cosmetic stain, you can probably paint it with a stain blocker. We'd be happy to help if you need an estimate on repairs. Hopefully, this helps.

Hey Graham. Sorry to hear about your water leak issue. There might be sealants that are marketed as being able to do this, but I question how effective they will be in the long term. The best way to resolve this situation is to fix the water leak. Wish I could be more helpful. Best of luck.

Hi Tanisha, I'm sorry to hear about this. Unfortunately, most water damage restoration companies will not agree to perform work without the approval of your landlord. The best thing to do is to contact your landlord directly and explain the situation. You may even talk with your upstairs neighbor and see if you can determine what is causing the leak in the first place. You may also want to investigate renters insurance as well. It typically covers the cost of replacing personal items in the event that leak ends up causing damage to your possessions. I wish I had better...

I'm very sorry to hear this. Unfortunately, I don't have enough information to make an accurate assessment of the situation. It could be a leak from a water supply line or a drain pipe. Other common causes of water leaks are the caulk around bathtubs and showers. If you plan to make repairs on your own, inspect your bathroom for damage. Slowly turn on each faucet to see if that makes the leak worse. You should be able to locate the leak relatively easily. From there, follow the steps above to repair the damage. Our article on drying out water...

Hey Tina, I'm sorry to hear about your plumbing leak. If you still need assistance, please call 1-888-443-3110 to speak with a local water damage restoration contractor in your area.

Hey Gillian, I'm sorry to hear about your ceiling cracks. Going by what you've indicated, the assessment seems possible. During the original water damage, the water caused the wood laths to swell and weaken the plaster. As the lath dried, they contracted, pulling away from the plaster. Since that time, the cracks have developed from walking on the floor above this area or just general settling of your home. You can fill these cracks again, but it's likely they will return over time. Replacing at least this section of the ceiling is the probably the best way to prevent future...

Sorry to hear about your leak Darrell. If the leak is repaired and the sheetrock is only stained, you can paint it. You should use a stain blocking primer coat first, then finish with your top coat. However, it's best to replace that section if the sheetrock is damaged. This may include weak or soft spots, blisters or bubbles, or cracked areas. While you can paint over the damage, the damage will still be there and the humidity from regular bathroom water use can cause more damage over time. Best of luck with your repairs.