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July 6, 2007
Water Problems
I have two water problems. FIrst, there is a small, slow leak from a pipe that is not visible that is gradually causing damage to a ceiling. I cannot find any visible source for this leak, and locating its source will require breaking walls and/or ripping up a floor. Does anyone know a contractor who has the necessary equipment to pinpoint the source of the leak without tearing everything up? The second problem is a rear window on the third story of my brownstone that is not properly caulked. A contractor I hired to deal with this issue several years ago failed to solve the problem, and water continues to seep in around the window frame after a heavy rain. Is there a reliable contractor who will deal with a problem like this?
Comments
For the ceiling leak, note that water will fall staight down unless something is deflecting it. The first question should be -- what water source is directly above the leak? 9 times out of 10 you will find the leak there. If the roof is above the leak, that's a different situation because those types of leaks are notoriously difficult to pinpoint with certainty.
Posted by: anon at July 6, 2007 2:50 PM
could be a worn wax seal beneath the base of the toilet... it will appear dry many times around the base of the toilet but it leaks down to the next floor... walls and ceilings wouldn't need
to be torn up... a plumber would just lift the toilet, replace the seal and put it back into place...
And water can track from the darndest places and find its way out far from the source.
Also, radiators can cause leaks to the floors below if the valves need replacing.
Posted by: bren at July 6, 2007 11:57 PM
Re the window leak: It could be from the roof. Check the gutter and downspout for a blockage. Then check to see if the roof covering overhang has separated from the rear back wall above the gutter. The water infiltrates behind the wall through an forced gap. This can occur from ice build-up pushing up the overhang. Again, this would be due to a drainage problem. Don't waste time, the hurricanes are coming.
Posted by: tom at July 8, 2007 9:51 PM
We found a contractor who specializes in roofing and waterproofing who came with glowing reccomendations and many references. We have not begun work with them yet, b/c of complications with condo board, but you should give them a call. They're called ARIS.
Posted by: anon at July 27, 2007 10:39 AM
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