Water leak advice needed please!

macman

Then it appears to be an internal leak, which is not a free repair but a job for a plumber Check the WC cisterns for a slow continuous discharge into the bowl (new diaphragm valve required), dripping taps, etc. Hopefully something visible and obvious.

foreversummer

:(Well, the bad news is there is nothing obvious. Toilets, taps, appliances etc checked over. No obvious damp patches ceilings, walls or floors coverings.

So I guess this is where it gets very tricky. Suspended timber floor downstairs apart from a kitchen extension and utility room which is concrete.

Where on earth to start? Is a leak detection company an option? Seen those advertised today. Would her insurance company pay for that if she has trace and access?

Sorry, so many questions.

victor2

Read the insurance carefully, or just get the policy holder to call the insurers and ask. Trace and access might only cover tracing the source of water damage. Since there is not as yet any sign of damage, it might not be applicable.
By the time you take off the excess and allow for future increased premiums, it might be easier and cheaper just to get a local (recommended) plumber in. The local Age UK might have a list of tradesmen they can recommend if you can't find anyone.

As far as isolating the problem yourself goes, it could be difficult. There might be valves you can turn off in various places, but if you close valves that haven't been turned in years, you could easily end up with a more serious problem.

Cardew

foreversummer wrote: »

:(Well, the bad news is there is nothing obvious. Toilets, taps, appliances etc checked over. No obvious damp patches ceilings, walls or floors coverings.

So I guess this is where it gets very tricky. Suspended timber floor downstairs apart from a kitchen extension and utility room which is concrete.

Where on earth to start? Is a leak detection company an option? Seen those advertised today. Would her insurance company pay for that if she has trace and access?

Sorry, so many questions.

If the leak is under floorboards, sometimes it is cheaper to put in a new pipe from the stopcock and bypass the leak.

mcc100

I would check the toilet one more time as sometimes a small flow into the toilet pan is not obvious.

Place a dry piece of toilet paper on the back of the pan. If it remains dry then it is ok, if it becomes wet then the float valve is faulty.

foreversummer

Hi guys. Thank you for all your replies. Well, I've double checked everything for her and can find nothing. No hint of a leak anywhere. If we get a plumber in where on earth would he start? Who do we get to start lifting floorboards? Is anyone likely to want to undertake such a task? I guess it could take ages and cost a fortune. Do you think this would be covered under her Home Emergency Cover?

victor2

They could call the insurers and ask if it is covered. I would doubt it somehow, but no harm in asking.
A plumber isn't going to be able to give you a fixed price as he would have no idea about the size of the job. But, if a neighbour or friend can recommend one, he might at least tell you a call-out cost and his hourly rate for locating a leak. With the promise of repair work, one might come out for nothing just to have a quick look and get an idea to give an estimate. You never know, it might be something simple an experienced plumber could spot in no time.
Do try to find a recommended local plumber though.

WessexWater_representative

Hello

I'm sorry your neighbour is having trouble with a leak at her property. I hope we can help sort the problem for her.

So we can arrange something as soon as possible, please can you email her address and contact telephone number to [EMAIL="care.team@wessexwater.co.uk"]care.team@wessexwater.co.uk[/EMAIL] and someone will call her back.

Many thanks

Customer Care Team
Wessex Water