"I think I have a broken interior drain pipe..." Topic

We have an upstairs laundry room. Lately when I'm downstairs, I've noticed the sound of water splatting against something when the washing machine drains. This morning I looked up at the ceiling in the 1/2 bath located under the laundry room, and there's about a 10" crack in it, more or less on line with the washing machine. Although there's no sign of water staining or water anywhere, I think I have a problem.

So… how do I go about checking this? There's no sign of any backflow at the washing machine, or any water under it, so I'm pretty sure the problem is inside the walls or floor.

I'm decently handy— I've installed kitchen sink drains, faucets, etc.. Is this a potential DIY project, or should I go straight to a professional?

Thanks!

I do some plumbing work myself, but I've found that a good plumber can find a leak with minimal damage to walls. One guy fixed a unknown leak in our old house with just a small hole in the wall. That hole was in an area of the house far away from where the leak was obvious. Saved us a big headache and lots of patching.

I would go with a professional on the basis that it might prove difficult to find the source of the leak on your own – the pro should have a damp meter that will test the surfaces of the walls and ceiling and help locate the likely source (I am a building surveyor so this is my bread and butter – or at least it was – I would use the process of elimination, probably using a damp meter in this instance…I assume that a plumber in the US would have one of these).

Ultimately opening up and exposing the pipework will be necessary so it is better to have a Pro do this rather than trying yourself and perhaps being hit and miss.

Hope that helps,

Kev.

The way of doing it yourself is ripping out the ceiling area where the leak is coming from to get access above and hoping that the leak is actually there.
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Tim

Before you call a plumber, eliminate the washing machine and drain as the possible source. First, run the washing machine through the largest load wash and drain cycle. As it drains, watch where the flexible hose goes into the drain on the wall. If the pipe is partially clogged, water will back up in the pipe and come out the opening around the flexible hose. Any overflow water here will drain down into the wall and into the lower ceiling. This is the No. 1 source of water leaks from a washer. Next, move the washing machine and look for signs of a leak where it was sitting. If there is water on the floor, the washing machine drain off the tub is probably leaking. If all this checks out, then call for professional help. And don't forget to call your homeowner's insurance company. Most policies cover any water damage from a broken pipe.

Thanks, all!

@Cold Steel: Good tips. No sign of backflow or leaks at the washer. And yes, my insurance does cover broken pipes, which I had forgotten. Thanks!

Put the call in to the plumber this morning. I'll learn the damage this afternoon.

I know the feeling;Months ago,turned out our pipe leading to the kitchen sink was cracked and leaking. Landlord's brother,a home repair specialist,did the fix-up,and a good job besides.