Damp floorboards from bathroom to bedroom wardrobe

[shannon831]

So having just bought a ground floor flat, I took up the laminate flooring to discover wet floorboards. I was advised there was no leak and this was due to poor ventilation so new floorboards were put down. Two months later, the boards are now wet again, not as bad as previously but still bad enough. I have a dehumidifier running so perhaps that’s it bringing up the moisture but I’m worried there is a deeper issue. Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[Why Not Indeed]

Difficult to believe that this is poor ventilation. Do you see other signs of poor ventilation? For example, black mould on walls, condensation on windows, etc.

I have a dehumidifier running so perhaps that’s it bringing up the moisture

In my opinion there is a leak and running a dehumidifier is an expensive sticking plaster. Not certain what you mean by "bringing up".

What's on the other side of that wall in the picture, the bathroom? How easily can you get to the plumbing, eg remove bath panel?

 

[Koolpc]

Def needs proper investigation. What is exactly next door?

 

[shannon831]

No signs of mould elsewhere and slight condensation on the windows some mornings.
When the new sections of floorboards were put down, the ground underneath was still damp so I thought perhaps this is making the new floorboards and carpet damp as well now with the dehumidifier running.
On the other side of the wardrobe is the bathroom which is all tiled so no sign of excess moisture. The bathroom doesn’t have a window but the extractor fan seems decent enough. The plumbing is easy to access behind the sink and toilet and nothing seems wet when I have looked and felt the pipes but there is a musty smell.

 

[Koolpc]

Musty smell equals damp somewhere.

I would be taking up the boards and having good investigation...

 

[Why Not Indeed]

I would suggest turning off the flat supply at the stopcock but it would have to be off for ages to know if it's made a difference so it's probably not practical.

 

[HERTS P&D]

What is exactly next door?

Leaking swimming pool.


Defo a leak, check your water meter.

Andy

 

[shannon831]

I have now checked the water meter and no changes when the water isn’t in use.
I have taken a picture behind the toilet and sink unit and it’s definitely damp on the toilet side but I can’t see any water dripping when the toilet is flushed.

 

[JohnD]

I was advised there was no leak

By whom?

Was it the vendor, or agent?

 

[HERTS P&D]

Take better pictures so that we can see the whole toilet from the front and side. Also a picture standing at the bathroom door looking at the toilet.

Andy

 

[shannon831]

Was it the vendor, or agent?

This was by a plumber a couple of months ago who then replaced the damp floorboards.

The wardrobe backs onto the toilet side of the bathroom.

 

[HERTS P&D]

Back to wall toilet, I hate these, the leak will be from the flush pipe or pan connector.

Toilet will need to be removed to fix.

Andy

 

[shannon831]

Thank you Andy - I will get this checked out asap

 

[JohnD]

If you have to smash open the enclosure, consider having exposed plumbing next time.

 

[shannon831]

Yes will do John. I was planning on a new bathroom in year or so but that will come sooner rather than later now so I will ensure the plumbing is exposed and easy to access.