A leak was eventually found in the plumbing of the main service column in a block of flats. I lived in the ground floor. Two wet patches formed about 5 - 6 metres away from where the leak was found. When the plumbing was fixed the wet patches began to dry. The patches formed away from the main walls which meant that the channel for the water must have occurred within the concrete/cement flooring and appeared beneath the carpets like a water spring. I was amazed, however I was charged by the landlord for the carpet in the hallway who's plumber said that the wet patches were too far away to have been caused by the leak. As a result, I have submitted a small claims procedure and have put photographs together etc. If I get an answer to this, it must be a solid answer based on experience or sound technical knowledge. I can understand it it as any water will track anywhere that might have a porous substrate like a solid floor, but I need something to support my case.

You are correct! Water, like electricity, will seek the path of least resistance.

The plumber said that the wet patches were too far away to have been caused by the leak Here's where you lost me.
If the wet parches weren't caused by the leak then what caused them?
Couldn't the carpet simply be dried out? Am I missing something here?
Let me know, Tom

That is the whole point. They were caused by the leek which is why I have taken a landlord to a small claims court because he has charged me for the condition of the carpets which was caused by the leek. Has anybody experienced this problem? If so I would be grateful for any feedback