When a Kingston resident noticed a recurring damp patch near their bedroom wardrobe, they turned to Water Tight Canberra for a professional assessment. With quick communication and same-week attendance, our experienced Canberra plumber, Andre, tracked down the source of the problem, a split in an air-conditioning duct, not a plumbing leak at all.
Problem
The customer reported a small, intermittent moisture patch along the skirting of the bedroom wall, which appeared during summer and vanished as the weather cooled. The bathroom shared the opposite side of the affected wall, suggesting the possibility of a leaking pipe or shower recess.
The homeowner had previously engaged air-conditioning technicians to check condensation drains, but no faults were detected. When the problem resurfaced, they wanted a licensed plumber to carry out leak detection and rule out any water supply or waste leaks before escalating to strata.
Left unchecked, such moisture could have led to mould growth, plaster swelling, or flooring damage, so rapid and accurate diagnosis was critical.
Assessment
Andre attended the Kingston apartment promptly, arriving within the scheduled window despite parking challenges near the complex. He carried out a targeted moisture inspection, starting with the wall cavity behind the wardrobe and progressing to the adjoining bathroom area.
Using a combination of visual inspection, moisture testing, and access-panel verification, Andre confirmed there were no active leaks from any plumbing fixtures. Instead, directly above the affected area, he found a visible split in the air-conditioning ductwork running through the ceiling void.
This finding matched the homeowner’s observation: the moisture only appeared during months of heavy air-conditioning use. The conclusion, the “leak” was not plumbing-related, but rather condensation dripping from a compromised air-con duct into the wall cavity.
“Quick and responsive support from Water Tight. Andre was great at troubleshooting and finding the issue.”
That’s what professional, methodical leak investigation looks like.
What We Did
Andre documented the entire inspection with photos and videos for strata reference. The process included:
- Visual and moisture inspection of the affected skirting and adjacent walls.
- Accessing the ceiling void through the bathroom inspection hatch to examine surrounding pipework and ducting.
- Identifying a split in the air-conditioning duct, consistent with seasonal moisture buildup.
- Testing plumbing fixtures to confirm no leaks in the shower, vanity, or toilet supply.
- Advising the customer that the issue was not plumbing-related and recommending an HVAC technician repair the damaged ductwork to prevent future condensation leaks.
This precise diagnostic approach saved the customer unnecessary costs and avoided invasive wall cutting or water system replacements.
Materials & Standards
No plumbing repairs were required on this visit, but all inspections were performed according to AS/NZS 3500 standards for plumbing system verification and Water Tight Canberra’s leak detection best practices.
Our professional reporting process ensures every client, whether owner, tenant, or strata manager, receives clear evidence and actionable recommendations.
Results
Before: Damp marks reappeared near the skirting line each summer, with uncertainty about the cause.
After: Issue confirmed as air-conditioning condensation — no plumbing faults found.
The homeowner now has a definitive diagnosis backed by professional documentation to assist their strata manager and HVAC technician. Most importantly, the uncertainty is gone, replaced by confidence, thanks to Water Tight Canberra’s thorough inspection.
“Quick and responsive support from Water Tight. Andre was great at troubleshooting and finding the issue.”
Another 5-star review that highlights our precision, professionalism, and commitment to helping clients find the real cause, not just the obvious one.
Tips
If you see moisture or mould patches that seem seasonal or intermittent:
- Don’t assume it’s a plumbing leak; condensation and HVAC faults are common culprits.
- Always have a qualified plumber in Canberra inspect first to rule out water system leaks.
- Maintain your air-conditioning drains and duct seals annually to prevent costly ceiling or wall repairs.
Location Notes
Apartments in Kingston often feature concealed ceiling ductwork and shared service risers, making moisture tracing complex. Our plumber Fyshwick team specialises in non-invasive leak investigation for strata-managed buildings across Canberra’s inner south, including Kingston, Barton, and Griffith. For fast, reliable repairs, including blocked drains in Canberra or electric hot water system Canberra installations and repairs, contact the team at Water Tight Canberra on (02) 6195 9991 today.
Gallery
Before: Moisture visible along the skirting near the bedroom wardrobe.
During: Inspection through the bathroom access panel revealed a split in the air-con ductwork.
After: Leak source confirmed and documented for strata follow-up.
“Quick and responsive support from Water Tight. Andre was great at troubleshooting and finding the issue.”
