It is really impossible to get even a guess as to the cost to fix this.

First cost vary drastically around the country and also from repairman to repairman.

And is it a simple leak that can be fixed from a 2x2 cut off of the ceiling and a handyman can do both the plumbing repair and a drywall ceiling patch.

Or the promblem might be up in the wall and require a carpenter to remove the cabnets, a plumber for a tricky repair, the carpenter again to repair rotted walls from a long time leak, an electrican to remove and replace wiring in the rotten wall and a drywall specialist that can match the ceiling texture.

In a low cost area and if it is the type that handyman can do maybe $300-500. But worst case it might be as much at $5,000 or more.

Most like it is is of the simplier type, but no way of telling.

The fact that water is sill dripping is not do indicative of the problem. Water can be trapped in the ceiling and it takes a long time to dry out.

Thank you for your kind reply!

I drained out the rest of the water in the

toilet bowel, and the dripping stopped.

The technician from rescue rooter services

wont even come until monday.

Now I am most worried about the following

a) how it costs to replace the watermarked

kitchen ceiling ~2ftx2ft? Mine is not a

fancy ceiling.

b) How do I protect myself from mold.

willing invest a little now (but not in

thousands $$). Can I do it now? How much

does it typically costs?

I live in dallas Tx.

Thanks once again!

I would think $200 300 for repairing the ceiling.

But you might have to look around for someone that will do a small job like that.

As far as the mold, should not be a problem unless this has been going on for sometime.

But you want to get it opened up as soon as possible and let air circulte (a little fan will help) to get it dried out.

I drained out the rest of the water in the

toilet bowel, and the dripping stopped.

Good sign if it has stopped leaking

The technician from rescue rooter services

wont even come until monday.

Forget a "technican" as a techinican is NOT a plumber. Ever look in the phone book under techinican? or do you look for a plumber under plumbing?

If I wanted to hire an electrician I would look under electrican not someone who has no license thus using a catch all name such as a dental tech or a copy machine tech Ask to see the jorneyman or masters license and see if the license says "techinican"

Now I am most worried about the following

a) how it costs to replace the watermarked

kitchen ceiling ~2ftx2ft? Mine is not a

fancy ceiling.

b) How do I protect myself from mold.

willing invest a little now (but not in

thousands $$). Can I do it now? How much

does it typically costs?

I live in dallas Tx.

Now if you hire a professional PLUMBER who is licensed and insured she or he would do the following

1- Find the exact cause of the problem and document same and notify the insurance company that it took ex amount of time to locate the leak

2- Then she / he would explain to you that the opening they made should be left open for a few days to allow to dry out

3- Then they would talk to your insurance adjuster as many, many times the actual plumbing repairs are not covered BUT the opening and closing and guarding against mold IS covered.

When I face this kind of problem I contact either carpenter or tile man (not a tech wanna be jack of all trades but a real tile man / carpenter) who opens the area in the case of marble walls or wood paneling so as not to have us plumbers attack the walls and ceilings with hammers.

I would isolate the leak have the craftsman open the area and I have the piping repaired/replaced and document what I did in case insurance is involved in making payments.

After my work is completed I let the other tradesman do his/her repairs.

When a prospective employee comes to me saying he can do plumbing / tile work / electrical and carpentry I have to ask how old they are considering these trades should require a 5 year apprenticeship and if they are under 45 years old I find it hardly possible they are skilled in anyone of these professions yet alone all of them.

Would you consider going to a non licensed doctor who dabbled in several professions or get on an airplane where the pilot said he is not actually able to pass a license test but he did it for a while and the testing is for nerds.

Why not look in the yellow pages for a "plumbing" contractor someone, self employeed as they have to do a better job as they depend on word of mouth and in most cases they are someone who is looking to protect your investment by having the right qualifications.

The license does not protect the plumber it does protect the consumer .

Thanks once again for your kind replies.

I have a small Q: Some of my relatives

are visiting me for the long weekend,

can I start the opening of ceiling work

for drying and putting any bleach inside

for protecting against mold till then?

From outside it has already dried out.

Ofcourse things will be more clear on monday

when technician has a look at it.

In summary, will a week's delay matter?

like 'mentioned 'am a newbie here.

Besides AHS/Rescueroorter kind of services

can someone point me to regular yearly (half-)

maintenance services at an affordable rate

in Dallas--Thanks

Hire a local small business owner as they unlike the big HMO's of plumbing will give you exactly what fits your exact needs unlike the franchises who aree into volume not the personal touch that family owned business gives you

It would be best to get a plumber out there to take a look. It's hard to tell what the problem really is without being able to see it. The plumber will be able to quote how much plumbing repairs might cost to give you an idea. Don't wait too long or else the problem might get worse.
Shelly Slader | http://www.salinasrooter.com

"Don't wait too long or else the problem might get worse." Look at the date on the post. LOL