Is There a Water Leakage Problem in Your Building?

Water leaks aren’t just bothersome—if undetected, they can cause significant damage and compromise the building’s structural integrity. Hence, it is always best to detect water leakage issues early.

However, some leaks are more challenging to identify than others and are only caught after the problem has spread. In such cases, you are forced to shell out a sizable amount of money to restore the building to its original, healthy state.

If you’re worried about the possibility of hidden leaks in your building, you’ve come to the right place. Read on to learn about some signs to watch out for to prevent major water leakage problems from occurring.

Sudden Spike in Water Bills

A straightforward way to check for water leaks is to monitor your water bill. If your expenses have rapidly increased for no obvious reason, you should start looking around for the source—even the most minor leaks can add up quickly, thus wasting gallons of water and causing your wallet to take a hit.

Reduced Water Pressure

When there is a leak, less water can travel through your pipes to the desired destination, resulting in a drop in water pressure.

Mould and Mildew

Mould, which appears as unsightly clumps of black or brown spots, thrives in dark, moist areas; it grows as a result of moisture or standing water due to condensation and persistent water leakage. It also usually emits gasses, leading to a musty odour.

It is critical to address the leakage problem quickly, as mould can trigger respiratory issues, irritate allergies, and cause skin rashes and itching.

Do note that while it is possible to remove the mould yourself, it will likely grow back if the leak is not properly treated. In the long run, it is safer and more cost-effective to hire a contractor to address the root issue.

Ceiling Stains

A dark spot or discolouration (typically with a brownish or yellow outline) is a sign of a water leak. As it is more evident on light-coloured walls, be meticulous when surveying dark walls and ceilings.

You won’t often notice a ceiling stain unless the leak has been there for some time; therefore, you should address the issue immediately once caught.

Peeling Paint and Wallpaper

Paint or wallpaper may go soft, bubble, and peel from the wall in areas with extremely high moisture levels. As with ceiling stains, peeling paint and wallpaper indicate that the problem has existed for a while.

Damaged Flooring

Flooring does not usually suffer from water damage unless there is a water leakage problem. Hence, it would be best to watch out for warping or stained flooring and cracking or loose tiles.

Strange Plumbing Noise / Sound of Running Water

If your building is in good condition, the plumbing should be relatively quiet.

Conversely, rattling or other strange noises indicate something is broken. You should also keep an ear out for the sound of running water; if you cannot find its source, your home could be experiencing an unexpected leakage problem.

Conclusion

Unfortunately, water leakage problems are not always easy to detect and resolve. They often slip our notice, resulting in major issues down the road. Hopefully, this guide has helped you better understand the various signs to take note of in your building.

At OCL Building Services, we provide a range of waterproofing and leakage services, including roof leakage waterproofing. We also provide other building services, such as pressure grouting concrete repair and swimming pool maintenance in Singapore.