HouseSymptoms field intelligence
Likely causes
Failure modes and building-physics mechanisms connected to the clues that support or weaken them.
cause 60ventilation-and-airflow 8roof-envelope 7building-structure 6drain-waste-vent 5appliance-connections 4domestic-water-supply 4exterior-wall-envelope 4cooling-and-air-conditioning 3foundation-and-ground 3insulation-and-air-barrier 3site-drainage 3space-heating 3electrical-distribution 2leak 2windows-and-doors 2
cause⌁
Loose plumbing compression fitting
A mechanical joint seeps under pressure or movement.
cause⌁
Pinhole leak in a supply pipe
A small opening in a pressurized pipe releases water continuously or intermittently.
cause⌁
Condensation on a cold pipe
Humid air reaches a pipe below dew point and deposits water.
cause⌁
Rapid valve closure
Fast water-flow interruption creates a pressure wave known as water hammer.
