Once the water supply has been shut off, the next step is to identify the source of the leak. If the leak is coming from a plumbing fixture, such as a faucet or toilet, it may be possible to repair it yourself. If the leak is coming from the roof, it will need to be repaired by a professional. Once the source of the leak has been identified, the next step is to make temporary repairs to prevent further damage. For a roof leak, this may involve covering the leak with a tarp or plastic sheeting.
You should not poke a hole in a leaking ceiling. Poking a hole in the ceiling will only make the leak worse and cause more damage. The proper way to fix a leaking ceiling is to identify the source of the leak and repair it. Once the leak has been repaired, the ceiling can be patched and repainted.