What needs to be clarified
Distinguish joint leakage from surface condensation using droplet location, pipe temperature, air humidity and water-use timing.
Materials to prepare
- Pipe diagram with joints and insulation gaps
- Unwiped-droplet photos and event diary
- Specialist ceiling-void access and climate data
What to compare
Map droplets and wet traces on pipes, joints and ceiling components. Simultaneously record surface temperature and air conditions and assess condensation conditions. A specialist checks accessible joints under documented operation and repeats after water use, marking concealed sections where paths cannot be traced.
Possible outcome of the analysis
A moisture-path diagram and operating-mode table may assess explanations and further checks where leakage and condensation could coexist.
Limits of the conclusions
Cold-pipe droplets do not prove joint leakage. One dry inspection cannot exclude intermittent leakage; water may travel from an adjacent concealed area.