[rav927]

I noticed water running down the waste pipe from my upstairs bathroom. Water is running down pipe to basement. If we use the sink in the upper bath, the water does not run down the pipe. Initially it only happened when toilet was flushed, now dripping all the time. If I shut off the water supply, the drip stops. No obvious signs of leaks at valve or under toilet. Any thoughts?

 

[Plumber101]

Check the flapper valve in the toilet

 

[Just Bill]

I assume you mean the water is running down the outside of the pipe, not inside where it belongs. If yes, and there are no signs of leaks from the shutoff or supply tube, I am baffled. Unless there is more than one problem. Water overflowing into the overflow tube and a bad wax seal. Leaking when the toilet is flushed is a definite indicator of a bad wax seal, or a broken flange, or a leaking pipe.

 

[rav927]

thank you for the replies-yes, the water was running down the outside of the waste pipe. Eventually, it did stop leaking. There is no sign of water anywhere on the tank or floor in bathroom. I replaced the wax ring. I guess it's time for a pro.

 

[rizzo]

All too common problem is a failed or mis-applied wax ring, or rotted closet flange, allowing water to infiltrate the subfloor. The leak will not present itself around the base of the toilet unless the closet flange is sealed to the finished floor, or if the leak flows quickly enough to flow from beneath the toilet. If your leak is flowing down the outside of the drain pipe, it may not be getting into the subfloor - that's good. Regardless, I would pull the toilet, inspect for wetness in and around the closet flange to identify the actual leak path, and repair as appropriate. I had to re-plumb both closet flanges in my house to bring them up to the level of the remodelled finish floor, thus allowing the was seal to remain water tight. What a hassle.

 

[breid]

yank the john

i've found leaks in the drain fittings before........................ if you have enough bathrooms you can isolate the fixture by not using them for a few days each. i didn't think so. none of my customers have went for that yet. breid