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Here’s another great tip from BobVila.com.

Water spots on ceilings and walls aren’t just unsightly—they can be a symptom of a much bigger problem that needs attention. But you can’t just paint over the spot. You first have to find the source of the water that caused it.

Blistering or peeling paint, loose plaster, yellow or brown streaks, and spotting are all caused by chemicals in the wall material reacting to water that shouldn’t be there. Inspect your roof, attic, gutters, trim, windows and siding carefully to find the source of the leak. If you’re in doubt, an experienced builder will usually know where to look.

An interior leak from a toilet or pipe or condensation from an attic duct could also be the culprit. If your kitchen or bath isn’t properly vented to the outside, humidity can build up in the attic or behind walls and start moisture problems.

Once you’ve tracked down and fixed the source, you can work on clearing up the cosmetic damage.

For painted wood or trim, remove the blistering or peeling paint, sand, apply an enamel undercoat, sand and coat again.

For isolated spots on drywall, wash the area with detergent but don’t soak it. When it’s thoroughly dry, apply a stain-blocker or sealer to keep the stain from bleeding through. Paint over it when the sealer’s dry.

If the leak involved sewage or gray water or mold has started to grow, it’s best to remove all of the affected material. Drywall that’s soft, sagging or crumbling can only be replaced. And if there’s electrical wiring in the affected area, get an electrician to inspect it before you close up the wall.

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