Damp patch on kitchen ceiling help!

[Sienna17]

I have a damp patch on the kitchen ceiling which I think is caused by a leak from the pipes from the shower in the bathroom above. I think it is the pipes because the damp sort of turns a right angle like pipes would.

My question is what do I do or rather who do I need? Should I call a plumber, or just a general handyman? What will they do anyway? Unfortunately I don't know anyone with DIY skills who could help me out.

Any ideas gratefully received!

Plumber, before your ceiling falls in!

You definitely need a plumber, and don't wait. It's a good idea to try and locate and get access to the leak before the plumber arrives, this will save time and therefore money. Remove tiles, take up floor and have a look (this is just what the plumber will do anyway). Finding a leak doesn't have to be done by a professional. Fixing it does.

put a skewer through the ceiling in the damp patches, so that any trapped water can drip out.

Once the leak has been fixed, and the ceiling is dry, it is a trifling job to fill a repaint a few small holes. Much more work to replace a fallen-down ceiling.

My neighbour upstairs has flooded our ceiling four times because he doesn't clean the hair and gunk out of his drains and it blocks then seeps out around the fitting - it's amazing how far a little bit of water can travel! The last time, he used a plunger and blew the fitting, which was unpleasant.

Moral of the story - keep your drains clear! Def get a plumber in to sort it and make sure it's not a huge problem but it's quite possibly just a blockage, unless it's loads and loads of water.

Thanks everyone. I have now left messages with several plumbers!

It could be a blockage - there is definitely standing water in the pipes, I can see it, although I do clear the drains regularly.

I have no idea how to get the tiles and bathroom floor up unfortunately. The tiles are big heavy things that look like they are cemented in.

I tried to put a skewer through the ceiling but it wouldn't go through.

How much standing water? If it's just in the pipes rather than the base of the shower/bath then if there's a hardware type shop nearby you can buy some One Shot, which is very toxic but clears drains very well. Keep children and pets well clear. If you can see water then it sounds like the pipes are holding it, and if you don't have a properly flowing kitchen ceiling waterfall that bodes well too.

I am not a plumber though! It's just what I'd do.

The water is in the pipes, a cm or so below the plug hole.

Now got a plumber coming round Thursday afternoon, might try the drain unblocker before then.

I'm always afraid pigletjohn will appear and shout at me but yeah I'd chuck some one shot down it- just follow the instructions on the back of the box. Good luck!