Ongoing window/condensation problems....

[ripperuk]

Thanks guys for your help.

Crank39 - Although I have the same issues of constantly dripping wet condensation , water running down the glass and tools rusting in the cellar, I don't have conservatory. Tanking is impossible

JohnD - I do have two small windows in the cellar, so I guess an extractor fan can be fitted, although not too big. But to be honest mate, I want to get to the SOURCE of the humidity, otherwise I'm fighting a losing battle.

Regarding the incoming water pipe - I can't even find any of it's ends, so don't know if it's lead/iron or copper - chances are it's lead pipe, but how can I find it?

Have a look at the diagrams below....As far as I know, the pipe is coming from the main road stop-cock, up the driveway, past the cellar and into side of kitchen, but this is not confirmed because the pipe is hidden under the driveway tarmac. Unfortunately it's not possible to listen to the hissing due to the road noise. Is there any other way of testing it for a leak?
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View media item 100399KEY
Red = Area of House/Garden
Yellow = Kitchen
Turqoise Blue = Accessible part of Basement
Pink = Lead pipe (As far as I am aware the lead pipe is travelling underneath the driveway into the kitchen)
Navy Blue Square = Coal Room with the Basement - This is where I have seen a damp patch/puddle of water.

 

[JohnD]

Regarding the incoming water pipe - I can't even find any of it's ends, so don't know if it's lead/iron or copper - chances are it's lead pipe, but how can I find it? ... Is there any other way of testing it for a leak?

I'd suggest you consult an experienced old local plumber, who will probably have seen dozens, if not hundreds, of local houses like yours and should know what to look for.

If you have a neighbour with similar house, they may already have gone through it.

you can listen for the hiss of a leak at 3am when it's quiet.

or post in the plumbing section, there's a skilled leak specialist (and photographer)

 

[ripperuk]

Thanks John.

I'm not too sure what the neighbours would think if I'm outside at 3am bowing down to listen to a leaking pipe

Great advice - I'll post in the plumbing section, but will be back once I've got a reply.

Cheers buddy.

 

[crank39]

Thanks guys for your help.

Crank39 - Although I have the same issues of constantly dripping wet condensation , water running down the glass and tools rusting in the cellar, I don't have conservatory. Tanking is impossible.

I wasn't suggesting you had only that the damp cellar might be the cause of your house condensation like the wet flags and grass/mud was in the conservatory.

I dont know I could be miles out as I'm not a builder its just a suggestion

 

[ripperuk]

No worries crank39. Appreciate your advice.

Anyway, below photo is the wet patch in the basement. It looks very large in the photo, but it's around 15in by 15in in size. At first I thought it was an oil spill, but actually, it's clean water, mixed with the dirt from the cellar floor.

What do you make of it?

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[crank39]

Wheres it eminating from do you know, can you trace it to anywhere? A pool forming there would suggest there's a hollow there, confirm if it's a high or low spot, could be a leaking pipe below the concrete causing the constant damp if you can't trace it coming from anywhere, a high spot that's always damp would point to that, a low spot would leave a trace of water running to it

 

[ripperuk]

This damp patch is in the highest corner of the cellar and concrete slopes away from it.

 

[crank39]

We'll in that case I'd be breaking the concrete up to investigate

 

[ripperuk]

Good idea. Only problem is that the previous person has put solid industrial shelving in this part of the cellar...this damp patch is hidden right underneath it, so access is difficult and may need a few days to rip it out and start digging.

Few questions though:

1. Although this damp patch is on the higher part of the cellar concrete floor, does it matter that the outside ground level is going the opposite way?

2. How would I know whether this patch is ground water or a leak from somewhere?

3. How deep and wide do I need to dig?

4. If there was a pipe causing a leak, what sort of pipe should I be looking for in that dark dinghy corner?

 

[crank39]

Tell you what.......drill a hole through the concrete, if there's a burst pipe under there then water pressure should push water up through the hole

 

[ripperuk]

Tell you what.......drill a hole through the concrete, if there's a burst pipe under there then water pressure should push water up through the hole

You mean like a straight hole? What if there is a pipe and it leaks everywhere? I've got electric sockets and other stuff near it.

Also how deep hole should I make?

 

[ripperuk]

As discussed, I've now cleared up the old basement industrial shelves and started knocking a hole through the ground.

As suggested, I've also used a long sds drill-bit (approx 45cm) and drilled multiple holes all the way down. The soil is wet, but no water pressure as yet.

How far and wide should I go?

View media item 100412View media item 100411View media item 100410

 

[ripperuk]

I've now made it more wider...Not sure if this is of any relevance, but there is a GAP under the brick wall. I can feel cold air coming from it, but no water: