dripping sound in ceiling when central heating gets warm
is this likely to be a leak?


If it has been happening for more than a week and there is no sign of water, like a discoloured or damp patch on the ceiling or wall, then no.


  is there another explanation?


When pipes heat up, they expand, as they expand they rub against the woodwork or other material they are fixed to. Frctional forces cause the pipe to be trapped until accumulated expansion pressure is enough to overcome friction momentarily. This produces a series of annoying but harmless clicks, taps, knocks or bangs.