Strange problem with baseboard behind toilet

[Andrew Wood]

I just moved into a new place and this started happening behind a toilet. Has anyone seen this before?

• Baseboard doesn't feel wet
• Primer and paint is stripped but not on floor
• Placed toilet paper on the floor and no water was on it after a week.

Thank you!

 

[CountryBumkin]

You said your in a new home, so I assume this satin was there when you moved in.
I would think someone got the wall wet (maybe cleaning behind the toilet) and it caused a stain. If it is dry, paint over it with a stain blocking paint primer (like Kilz) then top coat and I'll bet that's the last you see of it.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[Andrew Wood]

The stain wasn't there when I moved in. It just started and the home is new to me but it was built in 85'

 

[Andrew Wood]

The beadboard and new baseboard was put up about a month after moving in which was two months ago. I'm just confused how the caulk looks damaged and the water is around the pipe, not directly below.

 

[CountryBumkin]

Okay. Maybe leak inside the wall? Can you pull the escutcheon plate/cover and see if anything is wet around or below that fill line? How hard would it be to pull off the baseboard (is a short piece)?

 

[Andrew Wood]

It's a short piece but I coped it so I may have to rip out several pieces but oh well. I will check when I get home and post an update.

 

[CountryBumkin]

It's not the color stain I would expect to see with a water leak - but I don't have any other ideas.
Maybe one of the Pros will see this post and have a better idea.

 

[Plumber69]

Is it a painted metal escutcheon? If the escutcheon is old it will react with the copper. If ur flapper is shot cold water will always be running and condensation will occur. I suspect rust from the escutcheon due to condensation

 

[Andrew Wood]

The escutcheon is plastic and the drywall above the baseboard seams to be dry and hard.

 

[Andrew Wood]

Took the baseboard out and the drywall is in fact fine. Somehow water must have got on the wall, went down and damaged the baseboard