I live in a condo with a unit above me. Whenever the people in the unit upstairs turn on the water in the kitchen sink, run the garbage disposal or flush the toilet I hear a very loud dripping noise in my ceiling. It is to a point where I need to turn up the volume on my TV when it happens. The noise can last up to a half hour. It starts fast and then gradually slows down. I don't believe it is actually dripping water or a leak because it has been happening for months and I do not see any water damage. Does anyone know how this can be repaired. I really don't want to have to rip up my ceiling to get to the pipes, especially since it is not my problem. It is the pipes from the unit upstairs that is causing the problem. Any advice is much appreciated. Many thanks!

It can be dripping down the wall - not necessarily in the ceiling. In any case: HOA is responsible for repairs inside ceilings and walls. Don't let it go too long - or you will be dealing with mold issues later. And that is much more extensive kind of repair than fixing dripping sewer pipe.

This is a tough one. I'm not totally convinced its not a leak, however. Since it goes on for so long

If any part of the pipe above is touching the drywall above your room this could transfer the sound and magnified the drip noise.

I would get a ladder and try to zero in on the exact location where its loudest and attack that spot. Either or doing nothing won't solve the problem at this point.

You can also use a kitchen spoon tight to your ear and tight to the ceiling area as you zero in for the loudest location of sound. There is where I would attack it head on and expose that area.

You have a uphill battle here. If there is a condo maintenance person try to involve them and explain the problem. Also the Condo association. If this is only been months and not always then I still think it's a leak that travels to somewhere after the drip and goes to a side wall and down and that may be why it doesn't show up. Not All drips shows up to prove a leak.


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Thanks for your quick replies. I guess I need to get the neighbors to help try to figure out exactly when it happens (garbage disposal, cold water or hot water). It happens sometimes when they flush the toilet but not all of the time. I want tp put my condo up for sale but now I have to deal with this. UGH!