Condensation on cold pipes or slow leak? All aspects of plumbing questions and answers, help, tips and information

[Edpaterson]

Hi

My daughter is having a mysterious 'leak' from pipes in her bathroom. This has resulted in a damp patch in the kitchen ceiling immediately below these pipes. Last time I looked the cold water pipe below the bathroom floor and above the kitchen ceiling seemed to be covered in condensation. I couldn't detect any leaks form the joints (compression) but the problem seems to have arisen again.

Is there any easy way of checking out the condensation Vs leak theory. (Access to the pipes is not very easy.)

Cheers

Ed Paterson

[nitro23456]

Dry the pipes using a cloth or a tissue and see where it is coming from..... if it starts from a nut it is a leak and and the joint needs attention, if it is condensation lag the pipes (hot and cold).

I would suggest doing these tests with the heating off for a day to minimise the chance of condensation forming and allowing you to have a good look for a few hours with the floor boards up.