It may be coming from a leaking water pipe overhead or in the walls.
Pipe on roof leaking water.
Sun exposure and heat especially during the summer can cause the rubber boot to crack creating the space for water to leak in.
When this happens the water can seep into the house along the pipe.
Rusty and cracked collars around the vent pipe can allow rainwater to pool and eventually drip into.
If your ceiling has a plastic vapor barrier between the drywall and the attic insulation push the insulation aside and look for flow stains on the plastic.
Don t panic if you suspect that you have a plumbing leak.
Other causes of leaking roof vent are including broken seams on the metal base loosen nails and rusty metal collars around the vent pipe.
Problems with drain pipes may cause more intermittent leaking but unlike roof leaks there is no correlation to weather conditions.
When the roof vent is leaking the actual cause must be identified first.
Unless you have plumbing pipes or appliances that deal with water in your attic the leak has no other possible source than the roof.
Especially if a water supply pipe is to blame the water dripping from the ceiling may be never ending.
Often water runs to openings in the vapor barrier such as at ceiling light fixtures.
Metal flashing and vent boots work together to prevent water.
If the rubber boot is cracked rotted away or torn.
Leaking will usually be quite steady if the ceiling leak is plumbing related.
Here are four common problems that can cause water to leak around vent pipes.
Sometimes the water shows up at a ceiling spot distant from the leak.
Worn out flashing or missing sealant can also cause roof leaks around dormers.
Whatever you do don t begin tearing holes in the ceiling and walls looking for the leak.
Dormer leaks can be caused from a number of issues.
If you see signs of water damage from the ceiling right below the attic then it s a certainty that you re dealing with a leaking roof.
A roof leak at the edge of a dormer can allow a lot of water to enter your home.
If your shingles are still in relatively good condition chances are that water seeps around a plumbing vent that goes through the roof.
Remove debris make sure your roof valleys are clear of debris re shingle valleys valleys may need to be reshingled with new ice and water shield put in place.
Water leaking from the ceiling is often clear water rather than brown and dirty if a faulty plumbing pipe is the culprit.
Water pipe leakage can be caused by corrosion improper installation or aging pipe joints that are not properly sealed.
