How we traced two concealed leaks at Whitefriars Wharf
Water was coming through the first-floor bathroom and en-suite ceiling and boxing, with damage also reaching the kitchen ceiling on the ground floor. Our investigation at Whitefriars Wharf in Tonbridge identified two sources in the second-floor flat: a leaking washing-machine inlet valve and a defective joint in the soil stack.
This project involved emergency attendance, opening up concealed areas, plumbing repairs and full reinstatement of the affected interiors. Here is how the investigation and repairs developed.
Starting with the affected rooms
We investigated the water ingress within the property below and cut access openings in the en-suite ceiling and boxing. These openings allowed us to inspect the concealed pipework and trace the escape of water towards the flat above.
In the second-floor flat, we inspected the kitchen and washing-machine area, visible supply and waste pipework, appliance hoses, valves and connections. The washing machine was disconnected and removed from its fitted position to provide access behind it.
Why the investigation needed further access
The work did not finish with the washing-machine inlet valve. Kitchen base units were removed, and screed and concrete around the soil stack at floor-slab level were broken out to expose the concealed fittings.
A second leak was found at a solvent-welded straight union joint in the 110 mm soil stack. Finding both defects mattered: repairing the appliance supply alone would have left the separate soil-stack leak unresolved.
Repairing both leak sources
The relevant water supply was isolated and the defective washing-machine connection repaired. The repair and appliance connections were tested before the machine was reconnected and repositioned.
For the soil-stack repair, we cut out the defective section between the two flats, including the adjoining solvent-welded fittings. We installed a new section of 110 mm stack with replacement fittings and new boss connections for the waste outlets.
The opening through the slab was fire-stopped and made good with concrete to the existing floor level.
Reinstating the ceilings, boxing and decorations
Once the plumbing repairs were complete, we closed the en-suite access openings and boxing with new 12 mm plasterboard. Joints and cracks were filled, rubbed down and prepared to blend with the surrounding surfaces.
Loose and damaged paint was removed. The affected stained areas received two coats of Zinsser stain block, followed by redecoration using two coats of Dulux Brilliant White Silk Emulsion. The scope covered the en-suite, upstairs bathroom, kitchen and adjoining living room ceilings and walls.
Four kitchen downlights damaged by water ingress were replaced with fixed fire-rated LED CCT downlights.
What this project shows about concealed leaks
On this job, there were two distinct defects above the damaged rooms. Access behind appliances, within boxing and at the floor slab was needed to establish the full repair scope. The staining identified where the damage was visible; the investigation established the sources that needed repair.
Photographs taken before, during and after the work record the damage, access and finished reinstatement. View the full Whitefriars Wharf project gallery.
Discuss a leak investigation in Kent
J & K Building Services Kent Ltd works with homeowners, landlords and managing agents across Kent. If you have water ingress or damaged ceilings, send us photographs and details of the affected rooms so we can discuss the investigation and access required.
Leak investigation services in Kent · Property and estate maintenance
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