Water leaks are a common problem faced by homeowners and property managers in Singapore, often leading to significant damage if left undetected or unresolved. With the high humidity and frequent rainfall lately, water seepage through roofs, walls, and floors has been an ongoing issue. To address this, employing effective leak detection methods is critical to preventing damage and avoiding costly repairs.
In this article, we’ll explore the common causes of leaks in Singapore, explain why early detection is vital, and discuss various non-invasive leak detection methods that can be used before conducting invasive repair work.
Why do leaks occur?
Some common reasons leaks occur in both residential and commercial properties include:
Wear and tear: Over time, waterproofing membranes, tile grout, and sealants deteriorate, creating gaps for water to enter. Wear and tear occur at a faster rate at areas such as toilets, balconies and roof terraces which are exposed to weather conditions.
Poor Installation: Faulty construction practices, short-cuts, compromised quality workmanship such as improperly installed waterproofing systems, can lead to leaks.
Structural Movement: Shifts in the structure of buildings due to temperature changes or settling over time can cause cracks, resulting in water infiltration. This is common in basement areas and seepages from external walls.
Pipe Corrosion or Damage: Underground pipes may corrode or crack, leading to undetected leaks, especially in older properties. For underground pipes running along the perimeter of the property, one common source contributing to pipe damages are plant growth where the roots penetrates and punctures the underground pipes, resulting in a leakage.
Non-Invasive Leak Detection Methods
The use of advanced, non-invasive leak detection techniques allows for accurate diagnosis without the need to tear up walls or floors prematurely. These methods help pinpoint the leak location, allowing for efficient and targeted repairs as a part of the tracing and diagnosis process of water leakages.
Thermal Leak Detection
Employing thermal imaging technology to detect leaks is one of the more reliable and non-intrusive methods available today. This technology uses infrared cameras to measure temperature variations within structures, helping identify areas where moisture has infiltrated.
How it works: The thermal imaging camera is a hand-held device which is commonly used to scan the surface of walls, floors, or ceilings, to reveal cooler areas where moisture is present. Since wet areas have different thermal properties compared to dry areas, the camera can easily detect these variations. It can also be used to identify hot spots across the underside of roofs to detect if there are any roof insulation concerns.
Advantages: Thermal leak detection is accurate and can cover large areas quickly. It’s especially useful for detecting hidden leaks in hard-to-reach places like walls. It is important to note that there must be a temperature variation and it does not act like an X-ray to scan through structures.
Applications: This method is commonly used in both residential leak detection and commercial leak detection. Whether it’s spotting leaks from a roof or identifying moisture behind a bathroom wall, infrared thermal imaging is an efficient way to detect water spots without damaging your property.
Ultrasonic Leak Detection
Ultrasonic leak detection relies on sound waves to find leaks.
How It Works: Ultrasonic devices capture sound emissions produced by water escaping from pipes under pressure. The detection identifies potential leakage spot(s) based on the high-frequency sound captured by the sensor that is placed along the pipe line. It is important to note that the pipes must be pressurized to optimize the effectiveness of Ultrasonic leak detection.
Advantages: This method is ideal for situations where the source of the leak is unclear. Ultrasonic leak detection can be especially effective in detecting leaks in underground pipes or behind walls, where traditional methods would require invasive work. Tracing water is never an easy task as every little pinhole leak can also result in significant damage over time. And when the leaks are small, the sound frequency produced may not be loud enough to be picked up. While there are difficulties and limitations depending on the various design and construction of a property, the technology helps take a step closer to identifying the potential leak spot instead of guesswork.
Applications: This technique is suitable for both residential leak detection and commercial leak detection, particularly in situations where water lines are buried or inaccessible. It is ideal to have the water pipe plan to increase the accuracy of leak detection.
Borescope Leak Detection
Borescope leak detection is a non-invasive method that allows for visual inspection of hidden areas like walls, ceilings, or pipes without causing damage to the property.
How It Works: A borescope, which is a small, flexible camera, is inserted through small openings to inspect areas that are otherwise difficult to access. This allows specialists to visually identify leaks, cracks, etc. At times, should there be no access to insert the borescope, there may be a need to drill a small hole to insert the camera.
Advantages: Borescope detection is effective in pinpointing leaks without the need for major disruption, such as hacking through risers or walls. It provides real-time visuals, allowing for precise identification of the leak’s location and cause
Applications: Ideal for residential and commercial properties, borescope leak detection is especially useful in detecting hidden leaks in confined spaces, making it a valuable tool for early intervention and targeted repairs.
Taking Active Efforts to Prevent Damage
While non-invasive leak detection methods are essential for identifying existing problems, preventive maintenance can significantly reduce the risk of future leaks. Here are a few tips for homeowners and property managers to stay proactive:
Regular Inspections: Schedule regular inspections with a water leakage specialist to ensure that pipes, waterproofing membranes, and drainage systems are in good condition.
Address Wear and Tear Promptly: Repair damaged grout, sealants, or roofing materials at the first sign of wear to prevent water from seeping in. Avoid ignoring these signs of seepages and allow for further deterioration.
Professional Leak Detection: If you notice signs of moisture, such as water spots or bubbling paint, it’s best to call in a professional for advice, and explore if you can leverage on thermal leak detection or ultrasonic leak detection to further identify the potential source.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a homeowner or property manager, understanding the different types of leak detection methods available as their applications is helpful in identifying the most efficient solution to your specific leakage issue. It is also crucial to maintain your property timely to avoid costly repairs. Taking a proactive approach by monitoring moisture-prone areas, conducting regular inspections, and engaging professional leak detection services will ensure your home or building remains in good condition. Contact us today to speak with our experienced water leak detection specialist.