How to remove recessed light to find leak?

nervous123 · 27 Feb 2011

A quick query here, flat extension roof leaking when it rains, drips come out of light fitting (=where hole cut through plasterboard). (this one http://www.screwfix.com/prods/46524...ed-GU10-Polished-Chrome-Fire-Rated-Downlight# )

I have tried to remove the light to discover the exact location of the leak, but the 2 springs on either side seem to be firmly stuck in the horizontal position, so when I try to remove the light the springs get in the way and it cant fit through the hole.

What should I do? Are the springs meant to be moved if necessary? THanks

JohnnyG · 27 Feb 2011

If it's been installed correctly the springs will bend vertically as you pull it out and snap back down when it's out. It might take a bit of force if it's the first time it's been removed.

xr4x4 · 27 Feb 2011

pull harder..!

bernardgreen · 27 Feb 2011

If it resists all attempt to remove by pulling then this might help.

In a piece of plywood cut a hole larger than the lamp. Hold this against the ceiling and use a screw driver as a lever to ease the lamp out of the plaster.

Might need two people, one to hold the plywood and the other to lever at both sides of the lamp to bring it out of the plaster

nervous123 · 27 Feb 2011

xr4x4 said:
pull harder..!

exactly what i first tried.. but unless i want the sodden plasterboard to crumble and disintergrate, i need to get the springs out of the way first

wingcoax · 27 Feb 2011

Unless you can get access to the top i'm afraid that is the only way.

flameport · 27 Feb 2011

nervous123 said:
unless i want the sodden plasterboard to crumble and disintergrate

If the plasterboard is wet, the ceiling is already ruined, so causing damage to it when removing the light isn't an issue.

MrTinker · 27 Feb 2011

Thats what I was thinking Flameport, if the board is soaking wet, it'll need replacing!

nervous123 · 2 Mar 2011

Ok, so I managed to remove the light by bending the springs up.

Unfortauntely, though, seems the leak is not from the flat roof directly above, but from somehwere else, and is running along the plasterboard.

I have left the light dangling out in the hope that the plasterboard may dry out a bit, aided by the ventilation of the air passing through the hole.

Thanks to all for your help.

Steve · 2 Mar 2011

Out of interest, if you didnt have those unnessecary (in this location) fire rated downlights, you might have been able to remove the springs from behind the fitting (probably loosing them as they fly off under tension, but the light would be free)

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How to remove recessed light to find leak?

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