Water leaks can cause significant damage to any home, regardless of its type. In Singapore, where residential buildings range from HDB flats to luxurious condominiums and private landed houses, effective residential leak detection services by professional leak detection specialists are essential. Understanding the common types of water leakages and the advanced technologies used for detection, such as thermal imaging and ultrasonic leak detectors, helps homeowners take prompt action to protect their properties from potential damage. Utilizing the most effective technology to trace leaks ensures minimal disruption and optimal results.
Types of Residential Buildings and Their Common Leakages
Singapore’s residential landscape primarily includes three types of housing: HDB flats, condominiums, and private landed houses. Each type has unique characteristics and common issues related to water leakage.
HDB Flats
Housing and Development Board (HDB) flats are the most common type of residential housing in Singapore, accommodating over 80% of the population. These high-rise apartment buildings are designed to be cost-effective and space-efficient. However, they are prone to specific types of water leakages such as:
Pipe Leaks: Due to aging infrastructure and high usage, pipes in HDB flats can develop leaks. While most piping systems in HDB units are exposed, there are often cases of concealed pipe leaks, especially among homeowners who have significantly revamped their plumbing systems for better aesthetics, such as running concealed pipes in all their toilets. These hidden leaks can be particularly challenging to detect and require professional leak detection services to attempt to identify and address the leakage point.
Ceiling Leaks: Common in older flats, ceiling leaks usually occur due to water seepage from the unit above. Often referred to as “Inter-floor seepages”, these seepages typically occur due to the poor waterproofing from recent renovation works or worn-out waterproofing which is deteriorating over time and resulting in seepages into the lower units via the weak areas (i.e. pipe surrounding, ceiling slab cracks, etc.).
Bathroom Waterproofing Failure: As apart from inter-floor leakages as shared above, poor waterproofing or worn-out seals in bathrooms can also lead to seepages into the owner’s own bathroom surfaces, resulting in tell-tale signs such as brownish water stain marks at the bottom wall surfaces along the toilet perimeter or even water oozing out from their tiled or vinyl sheet floor finishes after a shower.
Condominiums
Condominiums are private residential buildings that offer more luxurious amenities compared to HDB flats. They are generally better maintained, but still face water leakage issues:
Facade Leaks: High-rise condominiums are susceptible to facade leaks due to heavy rain and strong winds. With high exposure to weather conditions, external waterproofing membrane systems tend to wear out at a faster rate as compared to internal/concealed waterproofing membrane systems. Hence, resulting in seepages into the internal surfaces especially during rain.
Balcony Leaks: Water can seep through improperly sealed balcony floors, causing damage to interiors. Balcony is an area in the house that is highly exposed to weather conditions (should they not be designed with extended polycarbonate shelters or zip-tracks). It is also the area with the most planters and greeneries. More often than not, the rain splashing onto the balcony or the water from plant watering can result in higher wear-and-tear of the underlying waterproofing membrane, resulting in ultimate seepages into the lower unit.
Plumbing Leaks: Being slightly different from HDBs as discussed in the previous section, most piping systems in condo units are concealed. Leaks in concealed plumbing systems can cause significant damage if not promptly detected.
Private Landed Houses
Private landed houses, including terraces, semi-detached, and bungalows, are the most expensive type of residential housing in Singapore. These homes are typically larger and have more complex plumbing systems:
Roof Leaks: Heavy rain and storms can cause roof leaks, especially in older houses with worn-out roofing tiles. In the recent times, where there is an increasing number of home owners installing solar panels on their roofs, increased human traffic and load on old roof tiles also result in cracks and seepages into the internal spaces especially during rain.
Basement Leaks: Water seepage into basements can occur due to poor drainage or worn-out waterproofing membrane during construction period. Basement retaining walls are often surrounding by higher amount of dampness or moisture from the subsoil. At times, it is common for reoccurrence of seepages despite repeated repairs due to the amount of water trapped in the subsoil especially after continuous heavy rainfall.
Concealed underground leaks: Due to aging infrastructure and high vibration from adjoining car porch or main road traffic, this is a common occurrence for landed houses. Another common leaks would be due to garden irrigation systems damaged by growth of roots in the perimeter of the lands, resulting in excessive water bills and damage to landscaping or floor finishes.
Advanced Leak Detection Methods
Detecting water leaks timely is crucial to preventing extensive damage and costly repairs. Advanced technologies such as thermal imaging and ultrasonic leak detectors are effective in helping water leak detection specialists in identifying potential sources of seepages.
Thermal LeakDetect™
Thermal leak detection utilizes handheld infrared cameras to identify variations in surface temperatures caused by moisture or water leaks. When water leaks occur, they create temperature differences because the water absorbs heat differently than the surrounding materials. The infrared camera detects these differences, highlighting the affected areas. For example, a wet patch on a wall or ceiling may appear cooler or warmer compared to the surrounding dry areas when viewed through an infrared camera. This method is particularly effective for detecting hidden leaks or water spots behind walls or within building structures where moisture may not be visible to the naked eye.
Ultrasonic LeakDetect™
Ultrasonic leak detection involves the use of high-frequency sound waves to pinpoint leaks in pipes or plumbing systems. The ultrasonic sensor is placed along the concealed pipe line to identify any abnormal or high sound frequencies which may signify a potential pipe leak point. This method is effective for identifying leaks in pressurized systems and can be used for both indoor and outdoor applications such as underground water supply or fire hydrant pipes, etc. Clients are to provide the pipe plan for us to review to assist us in the detection process along the pipe line to increase the accuracy of detection.
Contact Us
Water leak detection is crucial for maintaining the integrity and value of residential properties in Singapore. Whether you live in an HDB flat, condominium, or private landed house, understanding the common types of water leakages and utilizing advanced detection technologies like thermal imaging and ultrasonic leak detectors can help you address issues promptly and effectively. By choosing a reputable water leakage specialist, you can ensure your home remains leak-free and protected from potential water damage as much as possible. Reach out to us today with regards to your seepage concerns and let us help.