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Kennesaw, GA on Nov 14, 2011

We have a dark line on the floor, it is 1" to 4' in places.

It starts under our master bedroom door and goes into the kitchen. We think it is water. Sometimes it is darker and wider in places than at other times. We are on a cement slab with hardwood put directly on top. We have looked everywhere for water leaks. The closest sinks and bathroom (mbath) is in the room next door but there is no sign of water there on the floor. We have turned everythin off in that bathroom and not used it for a week but it does not appear to change the line on the floor. The water meter does not move at all so whatever it is is very slow. It has been like this getting steadily worse for the past 2 months.

Does anyone have any ideas. We are hoping not to have to pull up the hardwood floor.

Pam

8 Comments

Dan's of Central Florida,... Clermont, FL

Pam, is this something that seems to stay wet, like it is a current/constant leak, or is this an old stain that has remained behind after an old leak? If the stain looks like it might be originating near a wall, is there any plumbing inside that wall? Also, you mention that you are on a slab, do you know if there was a vapor barrier installed underneath the wood floor (there should have been)?

on Nov 14, 2011 · Like 0
The Money Pit New York, NY

Pam, please post a couple of photos and we can look. Solid hardwood is not supposed to be installed on a concrete slab...only engineered hardwood. It is possible moisture is being drawn up by the force of capillarity.

on Nov 14, 2011 · Like 1
Woodbridge Environmental ... Colonia, NJ

What kind of heat do you have? How long has this been going on? Photos please.
Do not forget you have homeowners insurance. If there is a leak the insurance company should be able to do the repairs for you.

on Nov 14, 2011 · Like 0
BeckySue, Certified Maste... Lawrenceville, GA

Sounds very odd. If you have solid hardwoods and it is indeed a leak, I would think the wood would be cupping/warping. Good luck with finding an answer! If you need a wood flooring referral, Id suggest Stephen @ Floor Creations 770.918.0043

on Nov 14, 2011 · Like 0
Nicholas S Altamonte Springs, FL

How old is your house? If everything you checked is sound It sounds like a cracked slab.

on Nov 15, 2011 · Like 0
Nicholas S Altamonte Springs, FL

Get a straight edge or level and see if there is a rise or dip in the area of the stain.
Rise- could be roots Dip- could be ground sinking.
Let me know I am really intrested in this one.

on Nov 15, 2011 · Like 0
Will B Riverdale, GA

Will B. You Might have a Drain pipe leaking or underground water moving under your Slab. If this the problem you should have problem with floor bulking or swelling. Also like stated above there should of been a moisture barrier installed over the concrete before any installation of hardwood. If you can't get a better answer, you might have to call-in a Leak Detector Co. for under slab water detection

on Nov 18, 2011 · Like 0
John Orlando, FL

You may have a pin-hole leak in a water line that has been run through the slab. Many established plumbing companies have leak detectors which can tell you precisely where the leak is. I would recommend contacting a plumber in your area who specializes in leak detection. If the leak is in the slab, a repiping situation may be called for.
How has your water bill been recently? is it higher than normal?

on Nov 18, 2011 · Like 0