Water Leakage Report Contractor

Water leakage or water seepage is a prevalent problem in residential and commercial properties across Singapore, causing headaches for property owners, especially during the rainy season. With our tropical climate, coupled with high humidity and frequent rainfall, addressing water leakage effectively and efficiently is crucial to minimize damages to your property. At SWC Consultancy, we specialize in water leak detection using advanced technologies such as thermal imaging and ultrasonic leak detection, offering approaches that includes creating detailed water leakage reports to help you resolve your water seepage on a case-to-case basis.

In this blog, we will delve into the common causes of water seepage, how technology-driven approach can identify potential leakage sources, and the benefits of having a professionally compiled water leakage report. We’ll also illustrate our methodology with case studies showcasing the use of thermal imaging and ultrasonic detection.

Understanding Water Seepage in Singapore

Water seepage issues may display tell-tale signs such as blistering paint, brownish stain marks or efflorescence on the surfaces, indicating clear presence of seepages. But in some cases, water seepage issues are concealed behind walls, floors, or ceilings, making them challenging to detect without specialized equipment. Common causes include:

• Defective waterproofing membranes: Often seen in wet areas like toilets and balconies.
• Concealed pipe leaks: Caused by wear and tear or pipe joint failures.
• Poor construction practices: Issues like improper slope gradients or low-quality materials in new developments.
• External façade seepage: Rainwater penetrating cracks in walls, improperly sealed joints or absence of external wall waterproofing membrane.

The Role of Technology in Water Leak Detection

Our approach leverages on technology to minimize guesswork and invasive investigations such as hacking during the investigation stage.

1. Thermal Imaging

Thermal imaging uses infrared technology to detect temperature variations, helping identify areas of dampness that may indicate seepage.

• Application: Ideal for detecting seepages in walls, floors, or ceilings, often caused by water pooling or external water ingress.
• Example: In a high-rise condominium, thermal imaging helped detect water seepage from an external façade wall, corresponding to cracks caused by wear and tear. The thermal images would reflect cooler temperatures which signifies presence of dampness. It also helped detect inter-floor seepages from wet areas such as toilets due to worn-out waterproofing membrane.

2. Ultrasonic Leak Detection

Ultrasonic Leak Detection captures sound frequencies generated by water escaping under pressure, identifying potential hidden leaks in concealed pipes or underground systems.

• Application: Effective for locating concealed pipe leaks or underground plumbing issues, ideally with supporting pipe plans to increase the accuracy of detection.
• Example: In an industrial facility, ultrasonic detection was used to identify a leaking underground fire hydrant pipe as there was a spike in water bills with no visible signs of seepages on the ground surfaces.

The Water Leakage Report

One of the critical deliverables of our service is the water leakage report. This document provides property owners with a clear understanding of the issue and guides subsequent repair efforts.

What Does the Report Include?

1. Information and Areas of Detection: A comprehensive overview of inspected areas, highlighting any anomalies.
2. Thermal Images and Ultrasonic Readings: Visual evidence supporting the findings.
3. Findings: Detailed analysis of the potential seepage sources, supported with images captured during the visual inspection.
4. Recommended Treatments: Repair solutions tailored to address the specific leakage source in a step-by-step approach from least invasive to most invasive where necessary to stop seepages.

Benefits of the Report

• Clarity and Transparency: Clients gain a detailed understanding of the problem and the recommended course of action.
• Minimized Repair Costs: Accurate identification of the leakage source ensures targeted repairs, reducing unnecessary expenses.
• Record-Keeping: Useful for property management and future maintenance.
• Collaboration with Specialists: Our team of waterproofing experts ensures seamless transition from detection to repair.

Case Studies: Tackling Hidden Water Leakages

Case Study 1: Inter-floor Seepage in a Condominium

Scenario: A resident on the lower floor reported gradual seepage from their reinforced concrete ceiling slab, and the water seepage had damaged their false ceiling. Stalactites were observed along the cracks in the concrete slab.

Methodology:

• Thermal imaging identified a concentration of dampness around the pipe surrounding joint, corresponding to the upper unit toilet’s discharge pipe. Gaps around the internal discharge pipe and floor joint as well as worn-out tile grouting in the standing shower were also observed during the physical inspection.
• Outcome: The issue was traced to a failed waterproofing membrane in the toilet. Repair recommendations included PU injection grouting and resealing the pipe surrounding joints and tile grout lines to minimize water ingress.

Case Study 2: Concealed Pipe Leakage in a Residential Yard

Scenario: The owner of a landed property was experiencing constant seepage from the bottom wall and floor joint in the yard. The water meter was running despite all internal taps turned off. The seepage stopped whenever the main meter is turned off and all pipes are flushed, confirming a concealed pipe leak after the preliminary checks.

Methodology:

• Ultrasonic detection was conducted along the suspected yard’s concealed water pipe line behind the sink and identified higher sound frequencies in the middle of the yard wall.
• Outcome: The wall tiles were hacked along the suspected vicinity and the leakage was identified along the worn-out pipe tee joint. It was repaired and the owner monitored for the next few days to ensure no further seepages before reinstating the wall.

The Process: From Detection to Repairs

1. Initial Consultation
   We discuss the client’s concerns and gather information about the issue.
2. On-site Detection and Inspection
   Our specialists perform a thorough inspection using thermal imaging and ultrasonic detection (based on the respective cases) to identify the leakage source.
3. Report Compilation
   Findings are consolidated into a detailed report, complete with images, analysis, and repair recommendations.
4. Repair Execution
   Our waterproofing team implements the recommended solutions to resolve the leakage issue.
5. Follow-Up
   A final inspection ensures the repairs have effectively addressed the problem.

Conclusion

Water seepage can be a daunting issue, but with the right expertise and tools, it becomes manageable. SWC Consultancy provides accurate leak detection services and comprehensive reports that empower property owners to address water leakage efficiently. Backed by a dedicated waterproofing team, we ensure a seamless transition from detection to repair, saving you time, money, and stress. Contact us today to share your water seepage concerns with us.