Water is a plaster ceiling's worst enemy.
Water damage in ceilings may be a sign of a long term problem because water can sit on the ceiling's surface for a long time before it soaks through to where you can see it. There are also a few causes that are sudden and can bring a ceiling down on your head in short order. Once you see the problem, look for the source of the unwanted water and address it quickly, removing or drying wet plaster before the ceiling falls or mold sets in.
Leaking Pipes
A burst or leaking water pipe is a likely culprit for water damage to ceilings, walls, and floors. Whether a pipe bursts due to freezing weather, metal fatigue, a loose connection in a toilet or dishwasher in the apartment upstairs, or a worn-out washer doesn't really matter. Once the water starts flowing, it'll soon be raining in your house. Unfortunately, in some cases you need to remove part of the ceiling to find the source of the leak.
Roof Damage
Missing shingles and worn-out flashing around chimneys can also cause water damage to ceilings. Depending on the area where water is leaking through, it can take a very long time for it to soak through layers of absorbent insulation to reach ceiling plaster. This can cause all kinds of mold problems along with the added expense of removing and replacing soaked insulation. Inspect your roof regularly and repair damage to shingles and flashing as soon as they occur.
Poorly Caulked Bathrooms
Something as simple as missing or damaged caulking around bathtubs, showers and sinks can lead to water damage on the floor below. Signs of it include peeling paint, spreading discoloration, and sag. The problem can be compounded if shower curtains aren't drawn properly with the lining on the inside of the tub to prevent water from reaching the floor outside it. Remove and replace old or moldy caulking for a nice, tight seal.
Ice Dams
Ice buildup along gutters creates ice dams that can force water up and underneath eaves, staining and damaging ceiling plaster along outside walls. It gets even worse when the ice melts and refreezes in wild spring temperature swings of snow and rainy weather. Take steps to ensure your gutters are free of leaves in autumn and can drain water down and away from the roof to prevent ice dams from occurring.
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