Water Leak in attic?

[TXwrath]

Originally Posted by aero100

You can actually buy those cameras (called borescopes) pretty inexpensively on amazon and its a good tool to have. But the second opinion is always good (and have the plumber double check the work of the guy the home warranty company sent).

I wouldn't call insurance. I doubt you have $2000 worth of damage even if you do need to replace drywall.

I have an older house and in general I budget $1000-$2000 of maintenance/surprise expenses a year, just part of the deal. That's a better way to manage expenses than the home warranty company (which probably is costing you upwards of $800 a year for just appliances and you don't get good contractors). Some people have luck with them but I never did.

Welcome to home ownership! You will be an expert in no time...

Thanks the warranty was included in our plan for the 1st year (AHS)

We will most likely not renew and use quality companies.

[aero100]

Originally Posted by TXwrath

Aero thank you!
Luckily the boiler drain valve was the issue. (It was plastic and replaced with brass) the plumber showed the hole and that is where the leak came from. I find it strange that water heater do not come with brass valves.
The water heater (kenmore 2008 model) is probably going to be in our budget to be replaced within the next 2 years.

Since this occurred, every day I have gone into the attic to check for leaks. I might have a top-rated plumber come out for a quick inspection of the unit.

The only area it seemed to have affected is in the kitchen (maybe 3x3) - see pic in original post.

We thought removing the lights/panel would open up a hole above. Literally, the attic down to the kitchen there is nothing else it could have flown through such as a closet or bedroom. I took a lashlight and touched diligently felt/chcked all areas and have not found any wet walls, drips or bubbles.

We drilled a few small holes to still get air circulation up there as well.



Anything else we should do?

Only other thing I would do is once you get everything dried out, try to repair that hole in the light fixture yourself (you seem to have good instincts!). Drywall repair is a good skill to learn, easy, really cheap if you do it yourself, and since it's covered up anyways you have nothing to lose if it doesn't look good. Just be mindful of wiring behind the light while cutting out remaining drywall to make a clean square hole.

[TXwrath]

Sounds good. My father-in law was in the drywall business for quite some time and said he would help/supervise me when he arrives.

Obviously we had some drippage and have not turned on the ceiling light since we noticed the leak.

We should not need to worry much about electrical issues on the overhead light?

I think that is all of my questions. I appreciate the amazing advice.

[aero100]

If you left it off you won't have electrical issues in the light as long as it has dried out, damage (shorts) occurs when it is wet and electrified. Make sure all the water is out of there and dried before turning it back on (fixtures can hide water in corners and such). If it works after drying out, you're in good shape. If it doesn't work just replace it.

Good luck!