Last Updated: August 18, 2023By Categories:

Task

Infopro Digital invited BASSE Solutions to one of their commercial properties after discovering a leaking radiator.

The extent of the investigation was to perform a non-intrusive survey, assessing the damage caused by the leak, whilst determining the source of the issue and a suitable plan of action to amend the situation.

Situation

Following weekend work on the boiler plant by the landlord, our client had entered the building Monday to find a large puddle of water on the floor.

Moving the photocopier and waste bin, the tenant found that the radiator valve was leaking considerably, causing damage and extensive mould growth to the wall, floor and surrounding equipment.

Action

Upon further inspection by the BASSE team, we could see that the radiator valve showed signs of significant calcification and rust, indicating that water had been leaking for an extended period of time.

We believe the rusting occurred due to the use of different metals on the piping system, including iron, brass and copper. The use of these metals together can lead to electrolysis, which will ultimately lead to corrosion and failure.

Other observations by the BASSE team included:

  • Crimping of the copper up-stand on the return valve, either caused at the time of installation or when the landlord representative recently ‘nipped up’ the valve to stop the leak.
  • Signs of water damage to the wall and the skirting board, indicating prolonged water exposure.
  • Significant damage and delaminating to the wooden floor surrounding the return valve caused by water penetration.
  • Damage to confidential waste bin. Usually constructed from wood-chip board, these bins are susceptible to damage if exposed to water
  • Signs of water damage to the power cable’s flex sheath.
  • Although not observed at the time, the tenant advised that the rear of the photocopier had mould growth on it before cleaning when they discovered the leak.

Results

  • Mould growth would typically indicate prolonged exposure to damp and warm conditions. It’s unlikely that the damage and mould occurred over the weekend as originally called in as it takes an average of 7 days for mould growth to become visible

  • Due to the water damage to the wooden floor, it’s our recommendation that a more intrusive investigation, including removal of the floorboards and skirting, will be needed to establish the extent of the damage to the substructure. If the boards have been laid on any fibreboard insulation, it’s likely this will have absorbed water and will need drying out and replacing.

  • Following a more intrusive investigation, we would also recommend the full replacement of the pipework feeding the leaking radiator to remove the issue of electrolysis and reduce the likelihood of the issue returning

  • Through this radiator leak investigation, our team of maintenance experts established the source of the leak, the damage caused, and have put forward a recommended plan for our client and the landlord to fix the issue and prevent any further issues