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Gilly · Joined: 08 Jun 2003 Posts: 4

Help needed - we have a leak somewhere under the concrete floor in our bathroom. Keep ringing plumbers.... but so far have failed dismally to get one to visit!
Question is how on earth do we track down where under the floor the leak is?? The area that is wet is quite extensive, and growing.
Gilly

thescruff · Moderator Joined: 03 May 2003 Posts: 4758 Location: Bath

First you need to establish where the leak is from, put the blunt end of a long screwdriver to your ear and hold the sharp end to any exposed pipework, a leak on the mains will be noticeable.

Turn the mains to the cold tank off and see if water level drops, check if the heating tank is filling.

Could be something simple like a shower tray seal or a leaky trap.

All the above must be done with all the taps off.

have a try and come back with the results.

thescruff. Cool

Where are you situated.

Gilly · Joined: 08 Jun 2003 Posts: 4

Thanks for the suggestions.
We have tried the screwdriver on both hot and cold exposed cold pipes and can hear nothing.
We now have the water supply to the house turned off and are waiting to see if the level in the tank drops. I'll let you know how it goes.
I don't know if it makes any difference or not, but our cold water is mains feed throughout the property.
We are located in Wantage, Oxon.
Gilly

thescruff · Moderator Joined: 03 May 2003 Posts: 4758 Location: Bath

I would expect to be able to hear mains cold running so check the hot and the heating tank if you have one.

Have you noticed anything different. e.g air in the rads etc.

Could still be surface water.

thescruff

Gilly · Joined: 08 Jun 2003 Posts: 4

I think surface water can safely be ruled out. This has been going on for quite a few weeks now, so we have renewed the seal around the bath and put in a new waste from the bath for good measure.
The main area of damp is not right next to the bath, it is further down the room, between the bath and the outside wall. The wet area also extends into the wall (going up about 6 - 8 inches)between the bathroom and the toilet the other side, athough so far the floor on the other side is still dry. (We are not aware of any pipes in the wall)

Haven't noticed any problems with rads etc.

thescruff · Moderator Joined: 03 May 2003 Posts: 4758 Location: Bath

Did you check the heating tank, and has the problem shown itself when the heating was turned off?

To expose the pipe could be a mayor operation, and you may be best looking for a builder.

Leaks etc are sometimes covered by your household insurance maybe worth asking the question.

thescruff. Sad

thescruff · Moderator Joined: 03 May 2003 Posts: 4758 Location: Bath

Just another point have you checked the radiator/ towell rails and the valves, pipes for leaks.

thescruff.

Gilly · Joined: 08 Jun 2003 Posts: 4

The problem has been there whether the heating is running or not. Heating boiler etc is other end of the house, so not part of the problem. Radiator in the bathroom is other side of the room from problem, so not linked.
Have had newspaper on the floor today while the water is off, and there is one area that is getting wet compared to the rest which is just damp - maybe we're onto something.
Thanks for the suggestion about the insurance, unfortunately we have enquired, and we are only covered for accidental damage, not wear and tear. Sad

I think that your suggestion of contacting a builder is going to be our next step. Rolling Eyes

many thanks.

thescruff · Moderator Joined: 03 May 2003 Posts: 4758 Location: Bath

If you could identify the pipe it could be pressure tested and maybe bye-passed without the need to dig up floor, could be a big saving.

You wouldn't be the first person to accidently nail a pipe.

Don't rule out the heating, water will travel under the screed.

keep in touch.

thescruff. Cool