Leak detection

[timjackson1982]

I have a small darker patch (5cm diameter) in the middle of my kitchen ceiling in 1st floor flat. Patch feels very faintly wet to touch and slightly softer than other parts of ceiling. There is no water coming through the ceiling or discolourment.

I suspect there's a small leak from pipe in ceiling but would be grateful for plumbers' view on what this could be.

I have my own buildings insurance to cover my own pipes in the flat and have contacted freeholder regarding main building insurance. Freeholder's management company suggested its condensation from kitchen but I would be surprised as its not spreading and my kitchen is very well ventilated.

thanks

Tim

 

[JCplumb]

There's only one way to find out for sure and that's to have a look at the cavity between your ceiling and your neighbours floor.
So you're either making a hole or your neighbour is lifting floorboards(if they have floorboards).

 

[jtsplumbing]

What is above your ceiling ? Bathroom ? a Radiator ? WC ? could be leaking from anything and just because that is where damp patch is does not mean that where leak is !!

 

[thereisawizza]

Would advise not to make a hole is that textured ceiling coating, how old is the property?

 

[Radioman]

Would advise not to make a hole is that textured ceiling coating, how old is the property?

He saying that the artex could contain a trace of asbestos if it's older than 1990. The leak is unlikely to be condensation from your side, not in the middle of a room, more likely to be a leak from above. I would notify the tenant up stairs, it could be something as simple as a once overfilled bath but could be central heating or similar. The upstairs tenant will be liable for the damage so best to tell them.