DIY Doctor UK DIY Forums

Hi,

The problem I have is that there is a leak coming from the shower trap above which has permeated to the ceiling. We have stopped using the shower and I have had a plumber check the job involving drilling a hole in the ceiling and using a camera to check. However the gap between ceiling and bathroom floor is full of insulation, plumber says rockwoo and he can’t see or locate the trap at all because of the insulation. This makes the job extremely messy and he himself is not prepared to touch the stuff. We also have kids / baby and a dog in the house and he warned that the stuff gets everywhere and is very unpleasant. He very politely refused to take the job which is fair enough.

Anyway; can anyone help me understand my options from here? It’s quite clear that the only way to get to the trap is via the ceiling as he looked at access from bathroom floor but because of the location relative to the joists he wouldn’t be able to access. It’s a bathroom in an extension to the house. It would basically be an easy job if it weren’t for all of the insulation.

Very grateful for any advice you may have. Many thanks.

Hi hhddnn,
From your description the only option is to cut a hole in the ceiling, between the joists, remove the insulation and locate the problem. The unpleasant bit will be removing the insulation but use a sharp knife (I use a carving knife) to cut at right angles to the joists - at a minimum wear a mask.
Regards S

I really appreciate your reply, thank you very much. I think what put me off is that the plumber was absolutely adamant that he wouldn’t go near that insulation and that it would be a horrible horrible job. I guess I just need to cover up and get on with it. Thanks again.