How to Fix a Water-Damaged Ceiling

Make your ceiling look like new again

Modern attic apartment interior with hardwood floor
Photo: Jacek Kadaj / Moment / Getty Images
Modern attic apartment interior with hardwood floor
Photo: Jacek Kadaj / Moment / Getty Images
Rachel Hoffman
Written by Rachel Hoffman
Contributing Writer
Updated Apr 7, 2025
SKILL LEVEL
Simple
COMPLETION TIME
2 days
COST
$30–$90
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What you'll need:
TOOLS
  • Utility knife
  • Putty knife
  • Tape measure
  • Paintbrush or roller
  • Drill
SUPPLIES
  • Drywall sheet
  • Drywall screws
  • Drywall tape
  • Joint compound
  • Sandpaper

After a roof leak or a burst pipe, you may notice brown spots on the ceiling, bubbling or peeling ceiling paint, or other signs of ceiling water damage. Fixing a water-damaged ceiling is something a handy homeowner can tackle on a weekend with the right supplies and know-how. Our guide walks you through how to fix a water-damaged ceiling so it looks as good as new.

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  1. Find and Repair the Leak

    Whether you have roof damage from a storm or a leaky pipe, you’ll need to first find the source of the water damage and repair the ceiling leak before fixing your ceiling. It’s critical to stop the leak first to prevent further damage, discourage mold growth, and protect your home’s structural integrity.

  2. Remove Damaged Drywall

    Man removing paint from water damaged ceiling
    Photo: Alican Lazutti / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images

    Next, identify the damaged section or sections of ceiling drywall, use a utility knife to cut them out, and sand the remaining edges. Ensure you’ve removed the entire damaged section—water may be present in nearby drywall that hasn’t yet left any visible signs when you’re looking at the ceiling. Double-check that you’re left with only undamaged drywall surrounding the section you’ve removed.

    (Note: the steps to repair water-damaged ceiling plaster are different, so confirm what material your ceiling is made of before getting started.)

  3. Dry the Area

    It’s important that the area above the ceiling is fully dry before you continue, otherwise you’re sealing moisture in, which can lead to mold growth. Use fans and ample ventilation to keep air moving until the area is fully dry.

  4. Replace Drywall

    Once the area is fully dry, cut a piece of drywall to fit the section you removed. Use drywall screws to secure the new piece into the ceiling, then use drywall tape where the new drywall meets the old. Using a putty knife, apply joint compound to smooth the seam and let it dry for 24 hours or as long as recommended by the manufacturer.

  5. Prime and Paint the Ceiling

    When the joint compound is dry, sand it smooth. Wipe away any residue from sanding and prime the ceiling section for painting. Allow the primer to dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions, then follow with two coats of paint.

Mistakes to Avoid

Mineral wool insulation installed in the attic
Photo: Patryk_Kosmider / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images

The biggest mistake homeowners make when it comes to a water-damaged ceiling is not repairing the damage fast enough. Letting water damage remain can lead to mold growth and a weakened ceiling. If the ceiling damage is extensive, it’s a good idea to call in a pro. Repairing a water-damaged ceiling costs an average of around $1,000 but can save you from a ceiling collapse and other serious damage. 

Some other mistakes to avoid include:

  • Not letting the area fully dry before replacing drywall

  • Not removing all of the damaged drywall

  • Fixing the ceiling before fixing the source of the water damage

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

If the water damage is more extensive than a small section of ceiling, call a local water damage restoration company to assess and repair the damage. A leak can cause serious problems, so knowing who to call for water damage can help you keep your home safe and return it to its original condition.

Hire a water damage restoration pro if your home floods or the leak has been ongoing and may affect your home’s structural integrity. Water damage restoration costs depend on the severity of the problem, but it’s well worth the cost to be sure the damage is fully and properly fixed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mold can begin growing in as little as one to two days after your ceiling has been exposed to water. Mold grows and spreads quickly and can cause serious health problems. Always ensure areas with leaks are fully dried out, and any damaged material is replaced to discourage mold growth.

It’s better to replace a water-damaged ceiling than to paint over it. Even if the ceiling seems intact, water can weaken the material, making it more likely to sag or collapse with time. Very small areas of water damage may be painted over if you’ve located and repaired the source of the leak and the ceiling has fully dried out, but it’s a better choice to replace the damaged section instead.

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Learn more about our contributor
Rachel Hoffman
Written by Rachel Hoffman
Contributing Writer
Rachel is a freelance writer and editor dedicated to helping people clean up their messes, get organized, and learn to love their homes again. Her work has appeared in Elle, Cosmopolitan, Glamour, Real Simple, Good Housekeeping, Apartment Therapy, Lifehacker, and NBC News.

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