Finding a leak without ripping the house apart...

Well, the good news was I found a hidden space, but the bad news is that it was while looking for the source of a leak. I found the source–the waste line for the second and third floor toilets. The pipe looks wet but the leak is coming from above it, somewhere not visible by the naked eye. Do people have any plumber recommendations or advice in how to find the actual leak without completely ripping the house apart? Also, any (reasonably priced) plumber recommendations? This picture is looking up at the basement ceiling–the big pipe is going straight up. Thanks

webby1000

in Plumbers and Plumbing 10 years and 9 months ago

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alfredsutton | 10 years and 7 months ago

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One more way to find out that pipe is leaking from where. Keep the pipe dry some time and then flow wate in it. I think this method can help you in somewhat way.

catboot | 10 years and 9 months ago

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We had a similar problem because the previous residents flushed paper towels down the 3rd floor toilet. The clog caused the waste pipe to leak in the cellar. A call to RotoRooter solved the problem.

webby1000 | 10 years and 9 months ago

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Hmmm…. It would definitely be worth investigating this. Thanks Steam Man.

steam_man | 10 years and 9 months ago

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Sounds like you have a stoppage.

webby1000 | 10 years and 9 months ago

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Thank you. I don’t think it can be a wax seal, because the leak occurs when the third or the second floor toilet is flushed. The second floor toilet is on the other side of the building but still uses this waste line. But thank you for this input.

steam_man | 10 years and 9 months ago

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Replace the wax seal around the toilet bowl first. See if the leak stops. All that can be done from above. It’s too hard to tell if the leak is coming from above the floor or from the joint in your photo. -Steam_man