Water Stain on Ceiling

Water stain on ceiling? Learn causes, how to fix and repaint, and when to call a pro. Costs: $100–$500.

Typical repair cost: $100–$500 · DIY difficulty: Moderate · About 1–3 hours.

What usually causes it

• Roof leak
• Plumbing leak above
• Condensation
• Ice dam
• HVAC condensate overflow

What you need

• Stain-blocking primer
• Paint roller
• Drop cloth

How to fix it yourself

1. First, identify and fix the source of the water — this is critical
2. Let the area dry completely (24–48 hours minimum)
3. If drywall is soft or sagging, cut out and replace the damaged section
4. Apply a stain-blocking primer (like Kilz or Zinsser)
5. Let primer dry, then paint with matching ceiling paint
6. Monitor the area for recurring stains — if it returns, the source wasn't fixed

When to call a pro

If you can't identify the water source, or if the ceiling is sagging, bulging, or showing mold growth.

Get a fixed price from a local pro