Leak in finished basement coming from under the wall (directly below first floor bathroom).

Wall is not wet, ceiling is not wet. Recessed lights, however, are flickering, but no evidence of water near them.

What I did:

1 - Replaced faucet to make sure leak was not at faucet.

Other info:

1 - just replaced toilet flapper and toilet fill valve in tank
2- also just snaked out a clog in the bathtub - pulled up a little hair but was surprised that I didn't pull up much more.
3 - leak is a gushing leak that happens once and a while (maybe a gallon of water at a time); however, when I tested sink, tub, shower, leak did not happen immediately or even soon after.

What I will check today:

1 - supply line to toilet.
2 - shower knob stems.

My questions:

1 - Why is leak coming from under wall and no other wetness?
2 - What else should I be checking?



Thanks!!

 

How do you know a leak when you say everything is dry? Are you certain it's a plumbing leak? Maybe you have a leaking basement.

 

An intermittent leak would indicate a leaking drain pipe. Pressurized water line leak would be continuous.

 

I have lived in the house since 2013 and have never had a basement leak... also, no rain or snow when leak is happening. Could this still be a basement leak? Where would the water be coming from and why would it be coming in spurts if a leaky basement?

Thanks for your help.

 

Wirepuller,

Could I have damaged the drainpipe while snaking the drain?

Do you recommend opening the basement ceiling below the tub to find the leak?

Thanks

 

Sounds like water on the ceiling that is running down the wall after it pools. Ceiling won't necessarily show wetness if the water runs off it right away.... and if it's not near a seam.

IMO through only way to know for sure is to make a big hole in the ceiling.

Yes, snaking can sometimes poke a hole in a trap or pipe. Especially if you use drain cleaners.

 

Thanks! Could it be something as simple as the bathtub drain having lost its seal, or is it more likely a pipe?

I tried to pull out the drain yesterday using the proper tool and it wouldn't budge... any tips on getting out a stubborn drain?

 

Also, forgot to mention:

Cold water shower handle leaks when shower is on (and turns completely off when show is off).

Is this a possible leak source?

 

Your going to have to get your eyes on the leak, all anybody can do is speculate where/what is causing the leak and I would not start repairing anything until it's been identified.

 

I agree with Marq. But I would add that if it never leaked before, you can probably narrow it down to something you just did. In other words, the first time it leaked... what's the last thing you did?

Did it leak after you performed the toilet work, but before you snaked the drain?

How many times has it leaked?

Might sound funny but I have heard of inexplicable leaks that cant be repeated finally be in traced to the one clueless person that doesn't pay attention to how he/she closes the shower curtain when they take a shower.