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-   -   Seepage on slab in condos (https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/showthread.php?t=756047)

  • Jul 1, 2013, 05:06 PM
    Mike45plus
    A peppermint test on the DWV piping will determine if the drain, waste, & vent piping are responsible for the leak... -.--
  • Jul 1, 2013, 07:46 PM
    Water weary
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Mike45plus View Post
    A peppermint test on the DWV piping will determine if the drain, waste, & vent piping are responsible for the leak.......-.--

    No mechanical room near or above the seepage location .
    The seepage was present prior to turning on the central AC. That can rule out the condensate issue ? (I hope!)
    Can I get pressure gauge at any hardware store? My "neighbor" is no longer even looking at me. So unfortunately I doubt they would test their side.
    Not sure what a peppermint test is. Dye was placed in mine and my neighbors toilets on different days. How do I know if enough dye was used to rule out the possibility of a problem in that direction?
  • Jul 4, 2013, 07:22 AM
    Water weary
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Water weary View Post
    No mechanical room near or above the seepage location .
    The seepage was present prior to turning on the central AC. That can rule out the condensate issue ? (I hope!)
    Can I get pressure gauge at any hardware store? My "neighbor" is no longer even looking at me. So unfortunately I doubt they would test their side.
    Not sure what a peppermint test is. Dye was placed in mine and my neighbors toilets on different days. How do I know if enough dye was used to rule out the possibility of a problem in that direction?

    New 3rd generation master plumber was here yesterday. My walls are open and toilet off . Water main back on. Slab under linoleum wet this morning after we had dried it out . He believes it is coming from the next unit . He did not enter their unit, unhappy neighbor. We are probably going to remove linoleum today at some point. Do you think that will give us a clue? The floor shoe molding that was removed had the most mold present in the corner section. Thanks for your continued help.
  • Jul 5, 2013, 04:26 AM
    Mike45plus
    I'm not so sure about the benefits of a search using demolition as the first diagnostic tool. Why not start with a visual survey, looking for an obvious source of leak. My next step would be to define / identify all possible contributors, including a written log of where, when, how much water is showing up, & then begin an orderly process of elimination. A domestic water piping pressure test would be my next step, including testing the piping in adjacent properties, and if the pressure tests hold, I would do a peppermint test next, this will confirm the integrity of the dwv system...
  • Jul 5, 2013, 07:17 AM
    speedball1
    We HAVE determined that this is a drainage leak and not a pressure leak, Correct? If so then Mikes peppermint test Would be a waste of time since you already know you have a leak. The only way I know of getting at and repairing the leak would be to open up the slab and locate the leak. Good luck, Tom
  • Jul 5, 2013, 12:59 PM
    Water weary
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by speedball1 View Post
    We HAVE determined that this is a drainage leak and not a pressure leak, Correct? If so then Mikes peppermint test Would be a waste of time since you already know you have a leak. The only way I know of getting at and repairing the leak would be to open up the slab and locate the leak. Good luck, Tom

    Thanks for the good luck wishes, we need it! With our water main shut off and all pressure removed from pipes we still had water. This was for 3 days. We have lifted linoleum and are about to take it up completely along with removing the vanity. It has to be replaced anyway. We have kept a log of our usage and checked from the attic down to the slab for other signs of water. We have seen none . If the neighbors would do the same this would easier!😊 So any hints on how to remove the vanity are appreciated! First attempt at this type of thing! THANK YOU all again for your continued help.
  • Jul 5, 2013, 03:50 PM
    speedball1
    I don't see where you have much choice. To repair the leak you must open up the slab and locate it. While the water may be coming from your neighbor in a common drain the leak is in your unit. Bite the bullet and opened the slab . Let me know how things go . Best of luck, Tom
  • Jul 5, 2013, 04:56 PM
    Water weary
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by speedball1 View Post
    I don't see where you have much choice. To repair the leak you must open up the slab and locate it. While the water may be coming from your neighbor in a common drain the leak is in your unit. Bite the bullet and opened the slab . Let me know how things go . Best of luck, Tom

    Thanks again! Fingers crossed I will let you know...

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