I live in an apartment and my neigbour directly below me came to speak to me about a stain that has appeared on his ceiling.

I decided to investigate. The toilet area is all sealed up so its difficult to see whats goin on as the access area is very small.

I noticed two things:
1) the joint attaching the pipe to the tank was drippin- not very much
2) there was a long damp area close to the back of the the toilet.

I called a plumber who first said it was condensation but then agreed with me that there was a leak. I had noticed for some time that there was running water in the bowl. The overflow has been now been adjusted but the pipe is still leaking at the joint. The joint was actually replaced and the guy placed some tape inside before tightened to secure it further. Im not sure why it continuing to drip.

In respect of the damp nothing was done. The guy checked the area around the waste pipe but found no leak. I have again called the same plumber & left a message because i am worried about the damp floor & also the leaking tank hasn't resolved.

He had suggested filling the area around the waste pipe with silocone form but is this wise when there is no evidence of a leak??

It is clear to me that a dripping pipe which is not near the damp area has not caused the marks on the ceiling below. I dont believe its condensation. I feel that because i am a girl its making it difficult to convince him that theres a problem.

I wondering if anyone can help me understand what the problem could be so i can make suggestions the plumber to convince him it needs fixing. I think the main reason for him not to act on it is access. He had to use a mirror to see what was going on & it a narrow space.

Please help me if you can. I feel really lost & dont know what to do.

Radhika, January 2008

Thanks guys!

Colin, sorry i wasn't very clear. The dripping pipe is on the right and quite a distance away from the damp floor. I have a cloth and a container under the drip.

My toilet is on the left half a metre away. The floor is dry between the leaking pipe and the damp strip directly behind the toilet.

If the leak is not from coming the waste pipe do you know where it could be coming from? I will do as you have suggested -try placing something under the waste pipe. I think it must be a slow leak.

Thanks

Radhika, January 2008

firstly start by getting a new plumber, secondly wrap tiolet tissue around each joint then recheck later to see where your leak is coming from hope this helps...

mikey lewis, January 2008

If the leaking pipe is not causing the damp patch, then where does it go, and where does the patch come from?
Sometimes water will drip onto a surface and then travel before reaching the floor.
I'd like to help but I can't say that I understand your description.
For the moment, you could try covering the damp patch with a waterproof sheet and somehow try to guide the drip into a container.
If the sheet stays dry that will prove a point at least.

Colin, January 2008