Hi!
We have found a first floor ceiling leak stain in a 2 story house. The washer and upstairs bathroom are not directly above and no water leaks are seen in either of those areas. What is the best course of action to investigate the source and/or fix? I'm guessing cutting out the sheetrock on the first floor ceiling may be the only way to get a look at what would cause it? It is 2.5 feet from nearest wall where the gutters are on the second floor. I have a picture, but cannot find the button to upload. It is about 6 feet long and extends the length of what appears to be a supporting beam in the ceiling, it does not feel wet, but seems to be getting larger.


http://i43.tinypic.com/213f9jr.jpg

Here is an image of it

You have no choice. You must open up the ceiling and track the leak back to the source. The bad news is that water will seek the path of least resistance. That means the leak could be some feet away. Start by opening it up at the first place it was spotted. Good luck and let us know what you find. Tom