Water Bubble In Ceiling: What To Do Before the Pros Arrive

Water damage can appear in various ways. From cracks in the walls and foundation to moldy floors and water bubbles—each form lower’s your property’s value and makes it a structural risk. When water leaks through the roof or a water line running above it, it can quickly damage the ceiling. One of the most common and obvious signs of a water-damaged ceiling is a water bubble. 

If you believe you are dealing with a water bubble in the ceiling, you’ll need to contact a professional water damage restoration company. But in the meantime, here are some things you can do. 

How Do Water Bubbles Form in Ceilings?

A ceiling water bubble forms when water or another liquid builds up behind the drywall or paint. You’ll know you’re dealing with a water bubble if you see a particular spot in the ceiling swelling up. It may start off as small, but if left unchecked, the bubble can grow and have devastating effects on the structural integrity of your property. 

Should I Pop the Water Bubble in My Ceiling?

The short answer is yes, but that doesn’t mean you should go poking at it right away. Before you can drain the bubble of liquid, you need to ensure the floor below it is covered. It would be pointless to mitigate one form of water damage just to start a new one on your floors. You don’t need to wait for a professional to arrive to take care of this step. Just make sure you’re ready for the mess that follows. 

Read More: Apartment Ceiling Leak Causes & What To Do

Do I Need To Replace the Drywall After a Leak?

Since the liquid was likely forming behind the drywall, you’ll probably need to replace it. Check the drywall (after popping the bubble) to see if it’s mushy or damp. This kind of damage can quickly lead to mold growth and further structural damage. Failing to replace it could set up a serious problem in the future. 

4 Easy Steps To Take When You Find a Water Bubble in Your Ceiling

1. Stop (or Identify) the Leak

   Before you go popping the water bubble in the ceiling, you need to stop—or at the very least identify—the source of the leak. Otherwise, water will continue to leak into the ceiling, causing more water bubbles to form. 

2. Grab a Bucket

   Once you’ve taken care of step one, you’re ready to move into step two: retrieve a bucket. You’ll want to grab as large a bucket as you can. Place it on the floor directly below the bubble. Try to line it up as best you can to prevent water from spilling onto the floor.

3. Pop the Water Bubble

   Grab a ladder so you can comfortably reach the water bubble. Poke a hole in the center of the bubble so that it can pour directly into the bucket below. 

4. Call a Professional

   That water bubble likely left behind a considerable amount of damage. Mold, structural damage to the ceiling and walls, and cracks in the walls. Not to mention the leak that likely led to this problem also caused water damage. For all that, you’ll need the help of a professional water damage restoration company. 

Read More: 6 Signs of a Bursted Water Pipe

Call CTR for All Types of Water Damage

For over 25 years, residents in Southern Idaho have relied on CTR for full-service water damage restoration services. Our team of certified technicians knows how to handle various types of water damage and handles each case with compassion and professionalism. 

No matter what time of day or day of the week, you can contact us online or call us at (208) 856-6012 for water damage restoration.