Summary
The difficult part of your blind evaluation is that this type of leak is also similar to that from an old galvanized supply pipe. Galvanized supply piping will rust over many years and do so from the inside out. As the inside of the pipe corrodes, the diameter gets smaller and the water pressure decreases considerably. Once this becomes quite advanced these supply pipes may leak very slowly, stop for a period of time as the rusty leak crusts over, then finally leak slowly but more consistently. This process may continue for several years before the leak becomes large enough to cause major moisture damage. As you are only flushing the toilet occasionally, this is as likely a cause of the leak as a damaged drain. If you have previously upgraded the supply piping to copper or plastic, then this potential culprit can be dismissed.
Finally, the leak may also be due to a small, hairline crack in the tank, worn seal between the tank and bowl, or loose fittings for the supply piping. This would be more visible from the bathroom side of things, but may be somewhat hidden behind the toilet. Furthermore, the location of the moisture stains in the ceiling is not always an indication of the location of the leaking plumbing above. Water will drain to the low point in the ceiling and might only drip through a light fixture or small hole or crack in the ceiling at a remote location from the actual point of entry. The source of the leak could easily be due to damage in the sink or bathtub plumbing, as well.See the full content of this document
Extract
Owner Will Find No Magic Bullet for This Repair
Dealing with mysterious water leak will be tough
ARI MARANTZ - ASK THE INSPECTORQUESTION -- I am a faithful reader of your Sunday articles and find them both useful and enjoyable.Now I need your expertise.We live in a 56-year-old, two-storey home wit...See the full content of this document
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