Leak in kitchen behind plasterboard - insurance claim?

Bendy_House

MrBrindle said:

Well.......I've found the leak myself. I cut out a piece of plasterboard where a 22mm elbow was in the wall, and low and behold, it's leaking. 

It's in a very awkward position though, just behind the sink cabinet, and the elbow buts up to a 2x3 upright, and the pipe goes through the upright as well.

At least I've save the plumber some time, but I'm not sure how he or she will fix it with such an awkward position.

Sorry to hear your news, MrB (no, not the plumbing problem), so can appreciate that things have been difficult recently.

Could you post a photo of the leaking joint? Perhaps we can suggest a way of tackling it!

Meanwhile, if you can get a length of cloth - even something like a tea-towel - and wrap it tightly around the joint, and then let the end of the cloth fall into a pan, this often works to soak up the leak as it happens, and direct the water into the container.

Or, can you make up a foil container shaped under the leak to catch the drips?

Well done for getting the plasterboard off - if you can now catch these drips, then that area will start to dry out right away.

MrBrindle

Thanks for the advice all.

Didn't think about posting a photo. Here it is, but I don't know how to make it smaller sorry!

It's not leaking a hell of a lot, but it's surprising how much water there's on the floor. The dampness spreads 2 feet in either direction across the bottom of the wall - I hope it's not a few leaks!!

As you can see, it's in a pretty awkward position. I've taken this photo crouched where the dishwasher goes and the cabinet to the left holds all the pipework and waste.  I'm guessing it's a compression or speedfit elbow? And of course, the 'dreaded' plastic pipe work.

I have managed to book in a plumber for tomorrow now, but is this sort of thing manageable? I'm quite competent with some DIY things, but water frightens me tbh.


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stuart45

Looks like a Speedfit elbow, copper pipe in, plastic out.
Easy fix.

MrBrindle

stuart45 said:

Looks like a Speedfit elbow, copper pipe in, plastic out.
Easy fix.

Even in such a tight space? I can barely get my own hand in between the kitchen unit and wall.

stuart45

Plumbers are used to working in tight spaces. 

GDB2222

It looks like it is the joint on the plastic pipe that is leaking. There ought to be an insert in that pipe. 

It’s DIY-able, if you really can’t find a plumber.

MrBrindle

GDB2222 said:

It looks like it is the joint on the plastic pipe that is leaking. There ought to be an insert in that pipe. 

It’s DIY-able, if you really can’t find a plumber.

Yes, that's where the leak is. I wonder if it's failed because the pipe goes through the timber quite tightly and timber does move with temperature's and humidity. 

Bendy_House

Good photo, MrB.

As said above, these fittings are generally easy to work on, but - as you said - the issue is lack of space and access.

Plastic fittings - like Speedfit - are actually really good to work with, and are usually very reliable. Hard to know what's gone wrong with this one, but it's usually down to a damaged rubber O-ring or lack of pipe support insert.

There's also the possibility that the fitting release collar - that furthest out plastic ring - has been pressed inwards by that timber batten, so has effectively released the pipe! Scary...

You're probably thinking, "I'd like to sort this myself, but how on earth can you get access to that elbow?" I suspect you'll find the plumber will just take a saw and hammer to that batten

MrBrindle

Well regarding damaging the pipe/elbow. The only thing I can think of is that we had the dishwasher replaced approx 3/4 months ago, and did the fitters knock anything or leant against the wall that could have dislodged it slightly. Just seems too much of a coincidence that this leak has happened following that, and it does look like a slow leak that could have gone on for months.

But where do you even begin proving that?

And sawing or hammering that batten? I hope not! Otherwise I'll end up worrying about the wall giving way!

Bendy_House

As you say, it's unlikely you'll ever know.

Tbh, these fittings are usually very reliable and secure, so cannot usually be affected with some rough handling.

Hopefully the plumber will be able to ID the problem - please report back