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Groundwork & Foundations

Could our downstairs floor movement be caused by our upstairs shower wall?

Anonymous user 03/03/2024 - 3.25 PM

Any advice would be gratefully received! We haven't got a professional in as we have no idea what the issue is so don't know what trade to make contact with. There is movement in our downstairs floor which is a mixture of finishing, along with a strong smell of dampness.The flooring is starting to dip and rise in random sections and the wooden floor in our hallway and living room looks as though it is starting to part? We pulled out our integrated appliances in the kitchen incase we had a hidden leak but there was nothing. The walls behind were also dry and so sign of damp. The only main issue that we are aware of is the upstairs bathroom. There is a shower above a bath and we had an issue a few months ago where the grout around one tile came out and water marks appeared down the wall in our downstairs toilet, directly below. We got this repaired but the damp smell didn't disappear and as time as moved on, there is issue with the downstairs flooring as already mentioned. When we got the tile repaired by a plumber, I asked if he could check under our bath to make sure everything was okay (I'm quite paranoid about this house - it's 11 years old so probably cheaply built). He said that wasn't necessary but when I checked under the bath, the wall is pure black, is this normal? Sounds like a stupid question but is it possible there is water coming downwards somehow and then as it reaches our downstairs flooring it then travels along? We don't have any drop in water pressure so don't think it's a mains leak but obviously there is the possibility the water issue is under the floor? Update: Thanks for your answers so far. We took the bath panel off, ran the shower over the wall tiles etc. and checked thoroughly for any water seeping through but nothing. The sealant was all refreshed as part of us getting the tile repaired so we're thinking that's an older issue and fingers crossed, a new bathroom can be put on the back burner for now! With regards to the downstairs issue, we found a company who has the thermal imaging technology etc for leak detection but I had concerns the issue with the floor and the smell of "damp" was a structural issue? We don't have any concerning looking cracks (I don't think - this is our first house to bear with me!) but I wasn't sure if anyone would recommend we ask a building surveyor to have a look first? Or should we just proceed with the leak detection company? The smell unfortunately is coming and going and the floor movement is very slight but varies as days go by so we're not any further forward with the issue. I should also have said, another reason I was concerned it was a groundwork/foundation issue is that it is a semi-detached house and our next door neighbours are having a problem being able to close their front door and I'm not sure if the issues are all related. :(

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4 Answers

Anonymous user

I would need to have a look, but almost definitely your bath waste is leaking. As regards to your downstairs floor moving, it cold be a number of things. Leaking pipe in a wall, Damp proof course breech or even blocked air bricks. I would advise Getting somebody reputable to have a good look though. Gary (Halletts Groundworks and Builders)
Answered14 October 2019
5

ADR Property Maintenance

Rating: 5 out of 5
Boston
without looking at the issue its impossible to say exactly what is happening, if a tile came of upstairs it was most likely because water penetrated behind the tiles, unfortunately some tradesmen are only interested in doing the job in question & not investigating any further i.e for a cause. the fact the wall is black could be a few different issues & the fact the floor is warping again can be a multitude of issues including water from the above room, your best bet is to get a local expert to thoroughly check for leaks. good luck Alex
Answered14 October 2019
2

Anonymous user

Rising damp get a trade with a thermal imaging camera, and take the guess work out , save you a lot of money and stress, we found a leak in 2minutes after the plumber had lifted most of their carpets an floor boards taking most of the day and not finding the leak, but cost a lot of money
Answered14 October 2019
2

Novum Property Services Ltd

Rating: 5 out of 5
Waltham Cross
It sounds like water has been seeping through your tiles and possibly the sealant around your bath slowly for a while which is causing the damp underneath your bath. I would take your bath panel off and run your shower on the wall tiles and sealant to see if water is running/dripping down the side of your bath. From what you describe there is definitely a leak of some sort under your bath to cause the mould. There is obviously water coming from somewhere to cause your floors to warp downstairs and it may possibly be the leak under the bath. I would instruct a plumber to come and check all the possible water sources. I would also recommend hiring a dehumidifier to try and start to take some of the water out of the house.
Answered14 October 2019
1