Subfloor – damp stains on underside of flooring
Listed under: water heating, hot water cylinders, plumbing, pipes, drains, stains, Subfloor, floors, moisture, leaks
Cause
Leaking water or waste pipe
Repair
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identify the source and location of the leak. Make a permanent repair, or call a licensed or certifying plumber to make permanent repair. Work on waste pipes and drains must by law be carried out by a licensed or certifying plumber.
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establish whether the leak is likely to be a one-off problem or stems from old deteriorated pipework/drains or a design or materials fault that may recur. If the latter, discuss potential long-term solutions with a licensed or certifying plumber or NZIBS building surveyor
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ensure that the floor dries out completely. Check for damage – part of the flooring may require replacement in extreme cases.
Cause
Overflow or leak from wet area fixtures such as bath, shower, handbasin, dishwasher, clothes washer, hot water cylinder
Repair
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identify the source and location of the leak. Make a permanent repair, or call a licensed or certifying plumber to make permanent repair. Work on waste pipes must by law be carried out by a licensed or certifying plumber
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if the fixture or appliance is very old and a permanent repair is difficult, consider replacement
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ensure that the floor dries out completely. Check for damage – part of the floor may require replacement in extreme cases.
Cause
Inadequately waterproofed tiling in wet area such as no waterproofing membrane under tiles
Repair
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the only successful long-term solution will be to remove the tiles, repair any damage to substrates or floor then carefully apply/install new waterproofing and retile. See the Level pages on wet area flooring and floor finishes and waterproofing tiled showers
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ensure that the floor dries out completely before this work is done, and check for damage – part of the floor may require replacement in extreme cases.