Leaking guttering and down pipe

Home report says potential leaking guttering/down pipe. Gutters are cleaned annually.
On inside of ground floor flat, in bottom corner of the room there is some mould on the bottom of the wall.
This is near to where the down pipe is externally.
Could this potentially be due to leaking down pipe?
Damp meter readings all seem within acceptable levels.
Or, could this perhaps only be due to bedside cabinet too close to wall and not enough air circulation?
Thank you

Asked by Amanda on 22nd Jun 2023
Expert Trade Answers
"Hi

this could be for a number of different reasons. having a damp survey done by professional may offer some advice.

i would also recommend getting a drainage survey done on all drainage new the issue. there could be a cracked drain which is causing the issues. also cleaning and surveying the downpipe where it enters the ground will also rule this out."
Answered on 26th Jul 2023 - Member since Jul 2023 - report
"Hello.
It's possible that the mould on the bottom of the wall could be caused by a leaking downpipe. If the downpipe is located externally near the affected area and there is a potential issue with the guttering or downpipe, water may be seeping into the wall, leading to the growth of mould.

However, there are other factors to consider as well. Insufficient air circulation can contribute to the development of mould, especially if there is restricted airflow behind furniture such as the bedside cabinet. If the cabinet is placed too close to the wall and impedes air movement, moisture can accumulate and create a favorable environment for mould growth.

To determine the exact cause, it is advisable to investigate further. Here are some steps you can take:

Check the downpipe and guttering: Inspect the downpipe and gutters for any visible signs of leaks, such as water stains or pooling around the area. Ensure that the downpipe is securely connected and not damaged.

Consider the damp meter readings: While the damp meter readings may be within acceptable levels, they do not rule out the possibility of a localized issue. Focus on the specific area near the downpipe and assess if there are any significant deviations from the rest of the room.

Assess the air circulation: Evaluate the positioning of the bedside cabinet and the surrounding furniture. If the cabinet is placed too close to the wall, try moving it slightly away to improve airflow and see if the mould situation improves.

Seek professional help: If you're unable to determine the cause or resolve the issue yourself, it's best to consult a professional, such as a plumber or a mold remediation specialist. They can conduct a thorough inspection, identify the source of the problem, and provide appropriate solutions.

Addressing the issue promptly is important to prevent further damage and ensure a healthy living environment.
All the best.
Arkadiusz"
Answered on 22nd Jun 2023 - Member since Apr 2023 - report
"No the bed side cabinet has got nothing to do with being to close to the wall it’s u down pipe out side that’s causing Damp"
Answered on 22nd Jun 2023 - Member since May 2023 - report
"Hello this problem could be due to Ie blocked outlet or blocked downpipe , or felt deterioration to front of gutter therefore could need cavity trays fitting along side elevation . other than that it could be broken tile or slate above the affected area ."
Answered on 22nd Jun 2023 - Member since Feb 2020 - report
"Sometimes it can be due to the leak of the down pipe and it’s crumbled the motar away which is causing problems to have damp in the property"
Answered on 2nd Aug 2023 - Member since Jul 2023 - report
"The down pipe will only be allowing moisture to penertrate the wall if the point on the brick work is loose of falling out. I'd fix the down pipe and then apply a Thompson water seal to the brick work to do away with the issue"
Answered on 29th Jun 2023 - Member since Aug 2019 - report
"Possible the rubbers are perished and need replacing"
Answered on 19th Jul 2023 - Member since Jul 2020 - report
"It's most likely you felting under your roof tiles get a roofer to check. He will need to have a look in your loft or move tiles above the area."
Answered on 17th Sep 2023 - Member since Feb 2023 - report
"it sounds like you have crack or hole in the pipe thats in the ground so water will leak out and sit near wall were it seps in would need to be dug down to see wats going on"
Answered on 14th Dec 2023 - Member since Jun 2023 - report
"Hi, be sure to make sure the seals in the Gutters arnt leaking/faulty as it could potentially leak and drip down the wall and could potentially cause damp issue, although I can't fully guarantee this without looking."
Answered on 14th Dec 2023 - Member since Jan 2022 - report
"Certainly not bedside cabinet!! Many try to resolve damp, mould etc from inside... it's easier.... the problem is always exterior. Leaking or blocked overflowing down pipe is most likely and common"
Answered on 3rd Oct 2023 - Member since May 2023 - report
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