Ceiling Leak in Arlington: Is It the Roof or a Plumbing Pipe?

A roof leak usually shows up after rain and gets worse in storms. A plumbing leak shows up whether it rains or not, often below a bathroom, near the water heater or under the AC unit in the attic. The fastest test is the water meter: turn every tap off and watch the leak dial. If it moves, a pipe is leaking. Call (817) 285-5426 if it does.

When the meter says a pipe is leaking but you cannot see where, our leak detection Arlington TX team uses thermal imaging and acoustic gear to find it from below the ceiling, without cutting holes to search.

What are the 5 clues that tell them apart?

Look at timing, location, color, the meter and the attic. A stain that only grows after rain, sits near a chimney, vent or roof valley, and has dark tea-colored edges points to the roof. A stain that grows on dry days, sits under a bathroom or the AC unit, and matches a moving meter points to plumbing.

Why do Arlington homes get both?

North Texas hail and spring storms damage shingles and flashing, so roof leaks are common after a big storm. At the same time, many Arlington homes, especially two-story homes from the 1990s and 2000s, run water lines and the AC unit through the attic. A leak from either one ends up on the same ceiling.

Attic pipes also take a beating from summer heat and winter freezes. Read more in our guide to attic water pipe leaks. If the stain sits under the air handler, a clogged condensate line is a likely cause, which our AC drain line guide covers.

How do you do the meter test?

1. Turn off every tap, the dishwasher, washer, ice maker and sprinklers.
2. Find the meter box near the street and lift the lid.
3. Watch the small leak dial (a triangle or star) for 15 minutes.
4. If it turns, water is leaving a pipe somewhere. Shut the main if the ceiling is dripping.
5. If it stays still, the roof, AC drain or a drain line (not a pressure line) is the likely source.

A drain pipe from an upstairs tub or shower only leaks when that fixture is used, so the meter will not catch it. Run the upstairs shower for 10 minutes and check the ceiling below.

What should you do while you wait?

Put a bucket under the drip and move furniture away. If the ceiling sags or bulges, poke a small hole at the lowest point with a screwdriver to let water out in a controlled way. Turn off power to any light fixture near the wet spot. Take photos for insurance before anything is cut.

Who should you call first?

If the meter moves, call for leak detection first. Basic leak detection runs about $150 to $400, and you get the exact spot before any drywall is opened. If the meter is still and the stain grows only in rain, call a roofer. If you are not sure, start with leak detection. It is the cheaper way to rule plumbing in or out. Our guide to leak detection arlington visits shows what the technician does. For leaks that might be under the foundation instead, see our slab leak detection in Arlington page.