Thermal LeakDetect™

Problem Area:

Our client noticed brownish water stains developing on her bedroom wallpaper over two years. The wall is adjacent to a common toilet. Although there was no consistent water leakage, suggesting it’s less likely to be a concealed water pipe leak, the brown stains continued to spread. Concerned, she engaged our Thermal LeakDetect™ consultation service to identify the main concentrations of dampness on the walls and determine whether the issue is related to waterproofing or air-conditioning seepage.

Methodology and findings:

The Thermal LeakDetect™ consultation focused on the bedroom wall. The thermal imager detected the location of the concealed water pipe due to the temperature difference between the hot water pipe and the wall. There was no significant concentration of dampness captured along the identified water pipe line, indicating that the stains are unlikely to be caused by a concealed pipe leak. Next, we turned on the air-conditioning for about 15 minutes. The thermal imager picked up cooler concentrations from the trunking which housed the insulated pipes, but no cooler areas were found spreading down the wall, making it unlikely that the issue is due to the air-conditioning discharge pipe. A visual inspection revealed loose and damaged tile grout in the corresponding shower area, which could serve as weak points for water ingress. Based on the method of elimination, it is highly likely that a waterproofing failure is causing the seepage.

Recommended next-steps:

We recommended our client to conduct PU injection grouting on the affected areas of the bedroom wall to seal gaps and prevent water ingress. Additionally, we suggested to repair the loose and defective tile grout in the corresponding shower area before applying two coats of Clear Penetrative Treatment waterproofing solution to minimize further water ingress. Continued monitoring of the bedroom walls is advised after the completion of these works.