Before moving into a new property, waterproofing is one of the most crucial things that need to be checked. Bathrooms that have water seepage or leakage issues reduce health risks posed by molds and termites. Waterproofing is needed in places that have water outlets, and it reduces the moisture from passing into the other areas of the house. The Singapore government has provided some regulations for waterproofing wet areas and bathrooms.
But the question is, “How to check waterproofing in the bathroom in Singapore?” How will you confirm that there’s no difficulty in the bathroom? Let’s reveal!
How to Check Proper Bathroom Waterproofing
It is recommended to hire a professional when it comes to bathroom waterproofing. Additionally, there is a set of stipulations provided by the Singapore government that need to be followed. This task can be quite difficult to handle by yourself, especially if you’re a new homeowner in Singapore. You can reduce some unneeded stress and also get the peace of mind that your waterproofing will be installed properly and provide effective protection by hiring a professional.
After the waterproofing is done, are you thinking about how to check waterproofing in the bathroom in Singapore? There are a few ways to check it without any technical knowledge or tools. But sometimes you need the professionals to check hard-to-reach places. Follow the tricks given below:
Leak detection in bathrooms
Finding the source of the leak is the first step in solving waterproofing issues. It is recommended to employ bathroom leak detection experts. They can detect the problem accurately with the help of specialized equipment and tools like forward-looking infrared (FLIR) cameras or moisture meters. They can even diagnose moisture in hard-to-reach places like underneath floors or behind walls. They can provide you with the most suitable solution to resolve the leak by using this detailed information.
Bathroom tiles
Bathroom tiles are installed in such a way that helps water to travel down to the drain. Check the tiles in the bathroom, especially the ones near the basin, bathtub, and standing area. If you notice any signs of damage, the tiles should be replaced.
Grout
In case of even the slightest damage, grouts can lead to leaks. To see if the grout is moldy or crumbly, inspect it closer. Rather than hard material, it should be powdery and soft. The grout should be replaced entirely depending on the current condition or has to be topped up.
Shower wall and floor junctions
Building movement is the major reason for leaks in the bathroom. Where the shower wall and floor meet, silicone is used to withstand the building movement. Replace if there is any moldy or worn-out silicone.
Shower fixtures
To prevent water from breaching the surface, the holes between the shower drain and tap head studs should be sealed with silicone. Disassemble the shower head fixtures to check if they are sealed. If the fixtures are not already worn out or sealed, seal them with silicone.
Contact waterproofing and leak detection professionals.
To ensure that your wet areas continue to remain protected from moisture damage, it’s essential to take proactive measures. Conduct regular inspections of areas like sealed corners, grout, and fittings in your bathroom to reduce the chances of hidden leak damage. Don’t hesitate to contact experts if you can suspect that a leak has occurred.
Read also- 7 Common Mistakes to Avoid in Bathroom Waterproofing
What Needs to be Waterproofed in a Bathroom?
If you’re conducting your first bathroom build or renovating a bathroom from an older home or even installing an entirely new bathroom for yourself, then you should know exactly which parts need to be waterproofed in your bathroom in Singapore.
Taps and faucets
The place where the water comes out of the bathroom should be waterproofed against other fixtures. To ensure any leaks from your taps do not go into the underlay of the sink, your faucet will need to be caulked with waterproof caulking.
Bathtubs and shower skirting
Again, to ensure that whatever water does condensate onto your walls, your bathtub or shower will be completely caulked with waterproof caulking, or sprays from your shower don’t make their way onto your walls, and this can cause mold and mildew.
Flooring
You should definitely spend money and either buy tile flooring and have it installed by a professional if you’re going to renovate a bathroom in Singapore. The tiles should be properly laid to prevent water seeping through tiles and causing blowouts of the sub-floor and damage to the timbers of the below floors. Also, the grout has to be professionally done. Make sure that your flooring is vinyl and therefore waterproof in and of itself.
Toilet fixing
Toilet is a key area, and it is often missed for waterproofing assurance. Make sure that all of the fixings are tight when you get your new toilet installed. The last thing you should have is an unnoticed slow drip that makes flooring issues later on.
Now you must have this question in your mind that- Do I Need to Waterproof the Entire Bathroom or Just the Shower Recess? Check this article to get a proper overview
Signs of poor waterproofing
Bathroom waterproofing acts like a barrier that prevents moisture from seeping into the foundation and walls when it is installed properly. Here are the most usual signs that the waterproofing may have failed:
- Bubbling or peeling paint on the ceiling or walls.
- Tiles that sound drummy.
- Water stains on the ceiling.
- Black mold growth on tiles and grout.
- A musty odor or persistent smell in the bathroom.
Further reading: 5 Reasons Not to Hire Unqualified Waterproofing Service in SG
Conclusion
I have shared some simple ways by which you can check the waterproofing status of your bathroom or shower in Singapore. Either way, you will not need huge technical knowledge or fancy tools to get the answer. So, find out how to check waterproofing in the bathroom in Singapore.
Allseal Waterproofing is a professional bathroom renovation company along with many more works. We ensure that all of our waterproofing will be done in accordance with the local and national standards. If you’re thinking of renovating your bathroom to ensure it is watertight, let us know and we’ll send in our professionals to quote, assess, and then perform the renovations. For further queries, visit our website and get a free quote
