A leak with no rain usually comes from one of four things: condensation in a poorly ventilated attic, a plumbing leak in a wall or ceiling, an HVAC line or drain pan overflowing, or water still draining from an earlier rain that pooled somewhere on or in the roof. The pattern helps. Morning-only drips point to condensation, steady drips point to plumbing or HVAC, and drips a day after rain point to trapped water finally working through.
Condensation is common in LA when a warm, humid attic meets a cool surface, and it drips like a leak even though no water came from outside. Plumbing is the next suspect, since a supply or drain line running through a ceiling or wall can weep steadily with no connection to weather. Air conditioning is a big one in summer, because a clogged condensate line or an overflowing drain pan puts water right where a roof leak would show. And sometimes water from the last storm ponded in a low spot, on a flat roof or in the attic, and is only now finishing its slow path down.
Sorting these apart is what a real diagnosis does. Our leak detection traces the water to its true source rather than guessing, and if it does turn out to be the roof, roof repair closes it. Good attic ventilation is often the fix when condensation is the culprit.
| When it drips | Likely source |
|---|---|
| Mornings, cool weather | Attic condensation |
| Steady, any time | Plumbing line |
| Hot days, AC running | HVAC condensate or drain pan |
| A day or two after rain | Trapped or ponded water draining |
Look at when and where the water shows. If it is under or near a bathroom or kitchen, plumbing moves up the list. If it appears when the AC runs, check the condensate line and pan. If the attic feels damp and stuffy in the mornings, ventilation is worth a look. If none of that fits and it followed a recent storm, the roof may have held water that is only now finding its way through, which is where a roof inspection earns its keep. Related reading: leaks only in heavy rain and whether a leak can cause mold.
A real diagnosis beats guessing. Call (310) 806-5959 or request an estimate below.
Tell us when and where the water shows. We trace the source and give you a written price, with no obligation.