Possible leak

[Reflections2021]

Hello,

I’ve noticed in the last few months our engineered wood floor is starting to separate between each of the planks in close proximity to a radiator down pipe.

Not had this issue anywhere else in the house and floor has been down almost 10 years. Floor area near the other end of radiator pipe is ok. The radiator pipe of concern has a white plastic collar on it - the inside of the collar has definite dry rust residue which none of the others have. No sign of physical water leaking, we’re not losing pressure on the boiler. We have not used the heating in months, and the radiator is not on. No other signs of water leaking but suspect there is a very slow leak somewhere which is only becoming known because the change in the engineering flooring which is definitely taking on a sponge feel to it. The flooring area of concern is not damp to the touch.

Any suggestions or clue of what to do would be great?

We do have our system insured in case of any issues - but feel like as there is nothing obvious i.e. wet water to touch or see it will be the usual shenanigans of getting them to accept there is a problem somewhere, wondering if it could be the pipe the radiator connects to under the ground.

Bump

Last year we noticed that wallpaper on a section of our front lounge wall was starting to lift off. That section of wall fell damp and worryingly there was a pipe embedded in the wall underneath. Turned it was nothing to do with this but that our pointing wasn't fit for purpose and moisture was just working its way through every time it rained. (House is stone and 150 years old). Now that's sorted it's dry.
Equally you could have a leak from somewhere else, maybe a room adjacent or above. We had a different leak episode when a drip from a pipe feeding the loo managed to stain the ceiling of the dining room directly below. The latter was repaired through our insurance, but the first deemed due to neglect so we've forked ourselves for tnat work. Good luck any case !

@Sanguinesuzy thanks for the suggestions, and will have a good look during the day.

The radiator is on an internal wall between the lounge and dinning room hence don’t think it’s coming from outside as such. The skirting and wall seem fine underneath the radiator area. It is literally just the floorboards around where the down pipe passes through, and 1 or 2 planks side on to that plank.

@Hannahcolobus that’s what’s confusing us. No pressure is being lost on the boiler.

Thanks for the tip and will explore this.