Equipment used: Acoustics, tracer gas, thermal imaging, endoscope, moisture meter, visual inspections.
In this property, the kitchen presented clear visual damage with confirmation from the moisture readings showing 999REL.
Although we found no leaks within the ground pipes, a thermal imaging survey was completed, showing cooler temperatures within the affect areas. This indicated that there was a leak in this location.
To investigate the thermal cooling, we conducted an endoscope survey which showed signs of water entering through the floorboards in the kitchen.
After taking up the rotten floorboards, there was still no sign of the leak in the waste pipe or hot and cold feeds. However, there was movement on the water meters. This typically indicates to us that there is an escape of water.
When testing for escape of water, tracer gas can be carried out through the internal hot and cold feed.
In this case, it was carried out at 2 bar and a drop in pressure was observed within 15 minutes. We could hear the gas escaping from the downstairs toilet inlet valve.
Once the valve was isolated, it was re-tested but no pressure drop was observed for over an hour.
In suspicion, a flow and dye test was carried out on the wastes in the downstairs toilet and basin, as well as the sink in the kitchen.
These tests usually take up to 24 hours to be completed and so we recommend putting a camera above the drains to observe the outcome.
Upon departure, we gave our recommendation for drying of the property with the use of dehumidifiers and air movers.