Key points
- Water and wiring together are dangerous — don’t touch the fixture or switch.
- Turn off the breaker for that circuit if the panel is dry and safe to reach.
- Stop the water source above: a bathroom, laundry, water heater or roof.
- Have the ceiling, insulation and wiring checked before using the circuit again.
Do this first
- Don’t touch the fixture, fan or wall switch.
- Turn off the breaker for that room if you can reach the panel without standing in water. See water damage electrical safety.
- Stop the water. Shut off the fixture above or the main — see shut-off guide.
- Put a bucket under the drip and move furniture and electronics away.
- Watch the ceiling. If it bulges, clear the room — see sagging ceiling from water damage.
Why water comes out of the light
Water travels along joists until it finds an opening, and the hole cut for a light or fan box is often the first one. That means the water has already spread across the ceiling above. Common sources: an upstairs toilet, tub or shower, a washing machine, an attic water heater, a roof leak, or winter attic frost — see attic frost and condensation.
What happens next
An electrician should check the fixture and wiring before the circuit is used again. We map the water in the ceiling with a FLIR thermal camera and moisture meters, remove wet insulation, and dry the space above, documenting everything for your insurer. See ceiling water damage.
In Provo, see emergency water damage in Provo — phone answered live 24/7.
Common questions
Can I use the light once it dries?
Not until an electrician has checked it. Water can corrode connections and leave residue inside the box and fixture even when everything looks dry.
How much water is above the ceiling?
You cannot tell from the drip. Water spreads along joists and insulation before it finds the fixture opening. We map it with a FLIR thermal camera and moisture meters.
Will the ceiling have to be opened?
Often a section is opened to remove soaked insulation and dry the space above. Smaller amounts can sometimes be dried in place, with moisture readings logged every day until the materials are dry.
Water coming through the ceiling?
Call (385) 250-2825 — answered live 24/7 by the Vault crew.
Emergency water damage in Provo · Ceiling water damage · Contact us