We were called to a property in Mosta after the owner became concerned that water from their property was affecting the unit below.
At first, the damp wall did not obviously point to the kitchen. The team checked the nearby bedroom, bathroom and shaft areas with a thermal camera and visual inspection. The bathroom did not show the expected signs of an active leak, and the shaft appeared to be in good condition.
The inspection then widened to the kitchen. Acoustic checks did not indicate a pressurised pipe leak, so attention moved to the water and drainage connections under the sink.
What the inspection found
The kitchen sink P-trap connection was loose and could move easily. A controlled sink flood test showed water escaping from the connection, running down the wall, reaching the skirting and travelling under the tiled floor.
That explained why the damage appeared away from the obvious source and why the property below was affected.
Why this matters
Not every leak is a burst supply pipe. In this case, the likely issue was a drain-related leak travelling through the building fabric.
If water is affecting a neighbour below, do not rely on the first visible mark. A professional leak inspection can help separate pressurised pipe leaks, drain faults, bathroom issues and building ingress before repair work starts.
When the symptom is worrying, book the visit and get the property checked properly.