How to access a leaking waste pipe

[Dorabella]

My hall ceiling is becoming stained, suggesting a leaking pipe from the bathroom above. It is not a regular leak, but the staining has increased in line with the use of the wash basin above. I think that it coud well be a leaking waste pipe, not a water pipe.l

To access any of the hidden bathroom pipes from inside the bathroom be difficult because the bathroom floor consists of modern laminate flooring glued on to regular floorboards - not easy as the laminate runs in a different direction to the floorboards.

My question is this. Would it be easier to access the pipe(s) from below - i.e. by taking out a section of the hall ceiling? If so, would it be difficult to replace the section of ceiling taken out or would the whole ceiling need to be replaced.

Another possibility might be to find a sealing solution which I could pour down the pipe. Is this a runner?

Any advice would be welcome.

Sincerely,

Dorabella.

 

[denso13]

Would it be easier to access the pipe(s) from below

Sounds like it. Not to difficult to replace depending on what the leak turns out to be and the existing finish.

 

[HERTS P&D]

Normally I cut a small hole in the ceiling and check what needs to be done, then go from there.

Andy

 

[JohnD]

If you cut a hole in the ceiling, the repair is likely to show unless you are (or employ) a plasterer.

If the ceiling is plasterboard (not L&P) and if you have a multicutter or plasterboard saw so you can trim the removed section back to joists, you can cut and nail up a new piece, but it is fairly difficult to hide the join, and the texture will not match if the old ceiling was skimmed.

Bathroom floors ought to be capable of being lifted.

 

[HERTS P&D]

Insurance companies prefer if a hole is cut in a ceiling than lifting a bathroom floor, due to H & S for the policy holder.

Andy

 

[endecotp]

Another possibility might be to find a sealing solution which I could pour down the pipe. Is this a runner?

My girlfriend suggests sticking a condom down the pipe

 

[bobasd]

OP,
given you dont know what's causing the stain then hold fire on opening anything up.
using a torch, carefully examine all exposed waste pipes and water supplies.
run all taps and valves one at a time and observe in the b/room & below.
concealed waste pipes should always be glued, not push fit.

assuming you have a p/b not plaster laths ceiling then :
water damaged plasterboard has to be replaced so mark straight pencil lines around the staining.
and using a knife cut out a neat square of the p/b - wear gloves & glasses.
retain the square.
examine the pipework by running taps etc.
after fixing any leak then a template of the square can be screwed back in place, and be made good with tape and Easifill or skim plaster.

fwiw: shower spray on bath rims often causes water damage - removing the bath panel is needed to investigate.

 

[ReJect]

You could try an endoscope wifi camera to prove if leak is below basin area. Just needs a tiny gap to push it in, or a tiny drill hole of a few mm.
Friend of mine bought one on Amazon and it gives fantastic colour video onto his phone wirelessly. Only cost under £30.

This is similar type -
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Inspection-Depstech-Waterproof-Borescope-Smartphone-Black/dp/B01NBFTAHE

 

[Dorabella]

Hi All,

Thank you for the valuable advice. Builder called in to take out section of ceiling. The leak has been accessed and now awaiting a plumber. I appreciate the help. Once again, many thanks.

Sincerely,

Dorabella