Water damage to ceiling

Redfinns

I live in a condo. My upstairs neighbor's toilet leaked into my drywall ceiling about a month and a half ago. She had a plumber fix it right away. Turns out water was spraying from her tank and running down the wall behind the toilet. I even heard the water dripping into the ceiling once after she flushed. The stain was not that bad and I wanted to wait until I was sure it dried before getting someone to fix it. Now I'm noticing a slightly darker spot in the same area. Right next to it, there is a soft spot that caves in when you apply light pressure. The dark spot is cool to the touch but not wet. Is it possible there is still water trapped in the ceiling or is there a new leak?

joecaption

Could be both, no way to tell without cutting out the sheetrock.
Should be done anyway, by now there's going to be mold growing.
There insurance company should be dealing with this.

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sdsester

Your drywall may have been damaged from the water---especially if the leak was present before actually noticed. The drywall could have acted like a sponge. Drying it out may not fix the situation since its integrity is compromised. You should cut out the stained section and patch in a new piece. Then tape, mud, prime and paint.

Perhaps your insurance will help with the cost?

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Redfinns

Thanks for your thoughts. I am definitely planning on fixing the ceiling, I just don't want to replace the drywall only to find there is another leak. At the same time, I don't want to tell my neighbor to call the plumber again unless I'm reasonably sure there is one. It's that spot that seems like its gotten darker next to the pushed in area that's worrying me. The damaged area is only maybe one square foot so I'm not going to get the insurance involved.

joecaption

As i said your going to have to open it up to see if it's leaking.
Far more likly it was just standing water soaking through.

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Redfinns

I was hoping that it could be standing water. Wasn't sure if it was possible that the ceiling didn't dry out in 6 weeks time. Not sure if it matters, but this condo was built 14 years ago.

Thurman

Personally--IF there is any proof that she had a leaking toilet and the water did the damage to your property--then the upstairs neighbor should be footing the bill for repairs.

ToolSeeker

Every thing is only a guess till it's opened up. If it's still leaking maybe she doesn't know it. Then it will continue until you have a major problem. So do yourself and her a favor and open it up and see what is really going on.