Water seepages or leakages are common concerns for property owners in Singapore, given the high humidity levels and frequent rainfall. Detecting leaks early is crucial to help owners prevent costly damages and maintain the integrity of their homes or buildings. In this blog, we will delve into the main reasons for water seepages in Singapore, some common tell-tale signs to look out for, and the various water leak detection methods you can engage to help resolve your water leakage concerns, such as Thermal Leak Detection, Ultrasonic Leak Detection and Borescope Leak Detection.
Causes for Water Seepages
By understanding the common causes of water seepages and leakages in Singapore, property owners can take proactive measures to address potential vulnerabilities and minimize the risk of water-related damage to their buildings or homes. Here are some common causes, along with examples to illustrate each:
Heavy Rainfall and Poor Drainage
Singapore experiences frequent heavy rainfall, especially during the monsoon seasons between December to March. When drainage systems become overwhelmed or blocked, water can pool around buildings and infiltrate through cracks or weak points in walls, roofs, or foundations. For example, inadequate gutter systems or blocked drains can lead to water accumulation near the foundation, causing seepages into basements or ground-level spaces. At times, due to worn-out waterproofing of the basement boundary walls, water is also able to seep through due to the high volume of water accumulating in the surrounding subsoil.
High Humidity and Condensation
The tropical climate in Singapore leads to high humidity levels, which can result in condensation forming on cooler surfaces indoors. Over time, persistent moisture from condensation can penetrate building materials, causing them to weaken and develop water seepages. For instance, poorly insulated windows or walls may accumulate condensation from the increased use of air-conditioning due to hot weather, leading to water seepages across interior walls, etc.
Aging Infrastructure and Deteriorating Pipes
Many buildings in Singapore have aging plumbing systems and infrastructure. With time, pipes may deteriorate, corrode, or experience leaks due to wear and tear. For example, rusted or corroded pipes can develop pinhole leaks, leading to water seepages behind walls or ceilings. Another prevalent example of pipe leakage involves underground pipes in landed houses, particularly those running below the perimeter gardens and trees. In such cases, roots may grow beneath the ground and penetrate the pipes, leading to concealed leaks which requires further tracing in order to identify the exact leak point.
Improper Construction and Waterproofing
Inadequate waterproofing during construction or renovation can leave buildings vulnerable to water seepages. For instance, improperly sealed joints or gaps in waterproofing membranes (i.e. along weak areas such as along construction joints or kerbs) can allow water to penetrate into building structures. Similarly, insufficient waterproofing in bathrooms or balconies can result in water seepages into adjacent rooms or spaces.
Groundwater Seepages
In areas with high groundwater levels or poor soil drainage, water can seep into basements or underground spaces through cracks in foundations or basement walls. For example, during periods of heavy rainfall, groundwater levels may rise, causing hydrostatic pressure that forces water through cracks or joints in the foundation.
External Construction Activities
Construction activities or nearby development projects (e.g. construction of common service tunnels such as MRT, etc.) can sometimes disturb the ground and compromise the integrity of building structures. Vibrations from heavy machinery or excavation work can cause existing cracks to widen or new cracks to form, leading to water seepages.
Tell-tale signs of Water Seepages
Before engaging a water leakage specialist to assist you with your water seepage concerns, here are some water seepage tell-tale signs which you can look out for when you take a walk around your home or building spaces:
Brownish Water Stains
Discoloration or water stains on walls, ceilings, or floors are common indicators of water seepages. These stains often appear brownish or yellowish and may spread over time as water continues to infiltrate. For example, a brown stain on the ceiling of a bedroom could signify a leaking roof or could potentially be contributed by worn-out waterproofing system in the corresponding upper floor bathroom.
Musty Odours
Damp or musty smells in enclosed spaces are often a tell-tale sign of mould or mildew growth resulting from water seepages. These odours can be particularly noticeable in areas with poor ventilation or high humidity levels. For instance, a musty odour emanating from a closet could indicate the presence of mould growing on damp walls behind the closet plywood backing due to water seepages from an adjoining bathroom.
Blistering or Peeling Paint
Moisture from water seepages can cause paint to blister, peel, or bubble. These visual signs of damage often occur in areas where water has penetrated through walls or ceilings. For example, peeling paint along the base of a wall in a basement could indicate water seepages from groundwater infiltration through the foundation and surrounding subsoil.
Tiles Debonding from Surfaces
Tiles that become detached or loose from surfaces, such as walls or floors, may indicate underlying water seepages compromising the adhesive bond. This can occur in areas where water has penetrated through grout lines or tile joints, causing the adhesive to weaken over time. A prevalent example is popping tiles in external balconies and toilet shower areas.
Water Leakage Detection Methods
Three main types of detection methods – Thermal Leak Detection, Ultrasonic Leak Detection, and Borescope Leak Detection – can be helpful in assisting us to identify and address water seepages before they escalate into significant issues.
Thermal LeakDetect™
Thermal leak detection utilizes infrared cameras to identify variations in surface temperatures caused by moisture or water leaks. When water seeps into building materials, it alters the thermal properties of the affected area, resulting in temperature differences that can be detected through thermal imaging. 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.
An important note to understand about thermal imaging is that it does not act like X-rays to penetrate through wall or ceiling structures. X-rays are capable of penetrating materials, and the image produced reveals the internal structure of the object, including any abnormalities or defects. On the other hand, thermal imaging works by detecting the infrared radiation (heat) emitted by objects. Thermal cameras capture this radiation and create a visual representation of temperature variations, where warmer objects appear brighter and cooler objects appear darker. Thermal imaging does not penetrate materials like X-rays do but rather detects surface temperatures and temperature gradients.
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.
Borescope LeakDetect™
Borescope leak detection involves the use of a flexible camera to visually inspect inaccessible areas for signs of leaks or damage. The borescope camera is inserted into risers, or other confined spaces to provide a view of the interior conditions. For example, a borescope inspection of the riser behind the master bedroom bathroom standing shower (via a false ceiling access opening) may reveal a crack in the common rainwater downpipe which is causing seepages during heavy rain. This method is useful for assessing the condition of pipes preliminarily without the need for invasive procedures.
Identify, Resolve and Conserve
Detecting water seepages early is essential for preventing property damage. Utilizing advanced leak detection methods such as thermal imaging, ultrasonic leak detection, and borescope detection can help identify and resolve water seepages efficiently, with the assistance of water leakage specialists experienced in both residential and commercial leak detection. Speak with us today and let us know how we can help with your seepage issues.