Condo leak issue still unresolved after pressure test + repeated chipping. Need advice.
Need advice from anyone experienced with condo plumbing leaks / PMO handling.
We’re in a DMCI condo unit dealing with an ongoing leak issue that’s now affecting multiple units.
PMO previously already did repairs involving our unit and the unit above before, including opening/changing portions related to the plumbing/leak area, so this has actually been going on for quite some time already. Unfortunately, despite previous work and repairs, the issue seems to still be unresolved.
Recently, PMO did another pressure test in our unit, and during the test, more water reportedly came out on our side, so they suspected our embedded line. They then did major chipping in our bathroom wall/pipe area, but even after opening it up, they still could not identify the exact source of the leak.
Now they’re saying the leak may possibly be from the upper unit (Unit 1211) or another connected/common line, and they may need to inspect/chip there too.
Our concern is:
• they still haven’t confirmed the actual source,
• they were already preparing to cement/close parts of the chipped area,
• and the whole process is starting to feel very trial-and-error.
This has become extremely disruptive and time-consuming for everyone involved. Multiple units are affected, schedules constantly have to adjust for inspections/work, and there’s still no clear diagnosis or timeline despite repeated repairs and chipping.
We’re now considering formally asking PMO to hire a professional leak detection specialist (thermal imaging/moisture detection/etc.) instead of continuing random chipping and assumptions.
Questions:
1. Is it normal for pressure tests to point to one unit, but the actual source ends up elsewhere?
2. Should we insist on professional leak detection before more chipping?
3. Has anyone experienced leaks traveling from upper/common lines even if water appears in your own unit during pressure testing?
4. Should they avoid cementing/restoring until the exact source is fully confirmed?
Would appreciate advice from engineers, plumbers, PMO people, or condo owners who’ve gone through something similar. This whole thing has honestly been exhausting.