Leaky basement ceiling: Who even would I call? (1 Viewer)

[Taurus]

About a month ago, a slow leak started in my basement ceiling. I realized it when the paint finally gave way and a sploosh of water hit the floor while I was working. The spot above the leak has no water lines. There isn't a source of water within five feet of it on the floor above. I thought I had it fixed when I moved the water dish for the dogs (they're quite messy when they're thirsty) and the drip stopped. It stayed stopped long enough for the drywall to completely dry out. Yet here I am this morning with a bucket under it as the drip has started up again.

Since I can't find it, what kind of contractor/tradesman would I call? It's a water problem, yet there aren't any pipes nearby. I'll eventually need drywall repair, but not until the leak stops. Who would you all call for a similar problem?

 

[GeauxWhoDats]

There are some Handyman Tradesman but I usually suggest you use those by referral/reputation. I would start with a plumber and they may refer you to a HVAC in the event you have some duct work leaking via condensation.

 

[SWJJ]

Plumber or Basement waterproofing company to start. Could be a leaky pipe, could be inadequate yard drainage. Has it rained a lot recently in your area? I've heard of landscaping, french drains, and gutter issues causing water in basements before, so it isn't necessarily a leaky pipe.

 

[Taurus]

There are some Handyman Tradesman but I usually suggest you use those by referral/reputation. I would start with a plumber and they may refer you to a HVAC in the event you have some duct work leaking via condensation.

Condensation was on the list of possibilities. The spot is directly below the cooktop fan. The weird thing is why it's never done this before. It's been super humid here many, many times...why build up so much condensation now?

 

[Taurus]

Plumber or Basement waterproofing company to start. Could be a leaky pipe, could be inadequate yard drainage. Has it rained a lot recently in your area? I've heard of landscaping, french drains, and gutter issues causing water in basements before, so it isn't necessarily a leaky pipe.

The ceiling is above grade. It's set up like a daylight rancher, except there's a third level. It's a long way for a leak to travel without showing itself. The wet wall is ten feet away.

I suppose a plumber could introduce some dye into the main supply and at least prove whether it's a leak from pipes or for some other reason.

 

[efil4stnias]

The ceiling is above grade. It's set up like a daylight rancher, except there's a third level. It's a long way for a leak to travel without showing itself. The wet wall is ten feet away.

I suppose a plumber could introduce some dye into the main supply and at least prove whether it's a leak from pipes or for some other reason.

if the ceiling is above ground/grade, its not groundwater accumulation.

Is your water main/spigot located near? Im having a hard time picturing the area/home ( since i live in SELA and have NO CLUE about basements lol )

keep in mind, the leak could be 20 ft away- water finds its lowest elevation and then pools. So chances are your ceiling isnt "plumb" ( aka level ) and water from either incoming or outgoing ( shower/bath drain ) could most likely be the culprit. Is the area insulated? ( between ceiling and 1st floor )

 

[Taurus]

if the ceiling is above ground/grade, its not groundwater accumulation.

Is your water main/spigot located near? Im having a hard time picturing the area/home ( since i live in SELA and have NO CLUE about basements lol )

keep in mind, the leak could be 20 ft away- water finds its lowest elevation and then pools. So chances are your ceiling isnt "plumb" ( aka level ) and water from either incoming or outgoing ( shower/bath drain ) could most likely be the culprit. Is the area insulated? ( between ceiling and 1st floor )

It's kind of like this. The ceiling of the bottom floor is above grade almost all the way to the front entrance.

I think I'll start by getting a plumber to put some dye into the pressure tank and see if the drips change color. That'll tell me if it's coming from a pipe or not.