How to identify source of water coming into house?

[con_66]

Recently repainted bedroom and added new built ins. When old carpet lifted to relay new carpet there were two damp patches on yellow tongue flooring. Plumber has indicted sub floor - no water leaks. Builder indicted bricks/windows/roof - no water entry points. Two different areas of room. Have used dehumidifier/drying. Surface dries then hours later wet again. Subfloor area dry. House on piers. Any suggestions of what to do? Desperate!!!! 

[MitchellMc]

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @con_66. It's brilliant to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about leaks.

Where is the nearest water source inside the home? If the wet areas are anywhere near a bathroom, especially a shower, that would be a high probability of the source. If the leak continues once you've dried the area, that would tend to point to an internal plumbing leak. You'd think once dry if the leak was from rain and an external source, it would only re-wet the area after the next rainfall.

In situations like these, you'd need to enlist the services of a plumber who specialises in leak detection. A leak detection specialist will have a moisture meter that they can use along with UV dyes to track the leak back to the source.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell
 

[con_66]

Hi Mitchell. The nearest water source is in the adjacent (not ensuite) bathroom. The problem is that one wet patch is on one side of the room and another in a different area. A plumber has been under house and sub floor area is dry as is underneath yellow tongue flooring. Due to distance between patches, it appears to be two different sources. The moisture reappears randomly ie without rain and does not dry out at all unless I use drying appliances - even on hot, windy days with windows open. I’ve turned off water to house and metre does not change indicating no leaks. The water seeps in regardless if I’m using water, at home or if it rains. It’s really puzzling and plumbers and builders have no idea despite checking under house for leaking pipes etc

[EricL]

Hello @con_66 

I suggest engaging the services of a leak detection specialist with a thermal imager. A thermal imager is a device that can accurately detect the temperature differences in your floor and wall. By using this device, they will be able to see where the leak is making its way through your house. My only other thoughts are it could be a condensation issue and its manifesting itself in that particular section.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[con_66]

Hi Eric. Thanks for your reply. If it was a condensation issue I think it would present in the walls too. I’ve only just repainted room. There was no moisture damage in walls or ceiling. There was no water in area where new built ins went. One wet area on yellow tongue is in front of ceiling to floor window but when a house was situated all around window frame no water came in. As I’ve said, even on hot windy days, when there is zero condensation, the moisture is still there and the yellow tongue flooring does not dry out at all. I have tried to find a builder who uses thermal imaging but plumber has assured me there are no leaks from pipes. One suggestion is that moisture could possibly run down sarking but there are only two areas and if condensation were the issue I’d think it would affect whole room. It is really difficult to find anyone who can help with either a solution or possible source of water. This raining today and the moisture is no worse than it was without rain. I have pest control booked and thought they might see something that others could have missed 

[EricL]

Hi @con_66 

It is indeed a mystery, but I can only suggest going for a thermal imaging inspection. Not only does it detect leaks, but it also sees temperature differences in the overall structure of your house. It might be able to reveal sources of moisture and condensation you were not aware of. 

let me call on our experienced members @TedBear, @Dave-1, @Nailbag and @JoeAzza for their recommendations.  

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[JoeAzza]

@con_66 , can you check and see if you have a cracked roof tiles, water could seep through the cavity of the external walls, I agree with @MitchellMc  and @EricL , re water leak detection services.

[Dave-1]

Good Evening @con_66 

I would also suggest a thermal imaging inspection. It will show where the dampness/wetness is and extends to. You have stepped through the same steps I would be asking and that leads to someone with a thermal imager and the knowlege of how to interpret it.

The only thing I can add is long term repeat wetting of the areas (pets, water potplants, fishtank leaking) that has saturated an areaa but I dont believe it would return after your drying efforts. 

I would be interested if you get a thermal imager person in and see what they say or better yet see some photos It may give someone else with the saame type of issue peace of mind.

Dave

[Nailbag]

Hi @con_66 

Again I agree 100% with @EricL @Dave-1 @MitchellMc in getting a leak detection service in to scan and test the area. I recently had to remove and re-silicon an external sliding door, and area's of roof and gutter flashings due to deteriorated silicone and in some areas none at all on a townhouse only 6yrs old.

The internal damage wasn't realised until another small section of the ceiling in the garage had collapsed after a roofing plumber had already re-siliconed areas they thought was the cause.. The water ingress was not directly above the garage, but had been travelling along other internal cavities and pooled there. The test specialist was able to apply water to various areas and then track where it was travelling.

Regards Nailbag