Water seepage is a problem many homeowners in Singapore face, especially during the rainy season or if they live in older buildings. Whether you live in a condo, HDB flat, or landed property, signs of water seepage can be frustrating, damaging, and costly if not addressed early!
It may start as a small damp spot on the wall, a musty smell, or peeling paint, but if left untreated, it can quickly spread and lead to serious structural damage or mold growth.
Understanding what water seepage is and how to deal with it can help you protect your home and avoid expensive repairs. In this article, we’ll explain what causes water seepage, how to spot early signs, and most importantly, what you can do to stop it.
What is Water Seepage?
Water seepage happens when water enters your home through tiny cracks or porous surfaces in the walls, ceilings, or floors. It usually comes from external sources such as rainwater, leaking pipes, or high humidity, but it can also be caused by internal plumbing issues.
Unlike a burst pipe or a large leak, seepage is often slow and silent. You might not notice it immediately, but over time, it causes dampness, stains, bubbling paint, mold, and a musty smell. Because water finds the path of least resistance, it can travel quite far from its source, making it tricky to trace where the problem started.
Seepage can occur through different materials like concrete, bricks, or tiles. In HDB flats or high-rise condos, it’s common to see water seepage through ceilings caused by leaks from the upstairs unit. In landed homes, the seepage may come through basement walls or roofs with poor waterproofing.
What are the Common Causes of Water Seepage?
In Singapore’s tropical climate, frequent rain and high humidity levels increase the risk of water seepage. Many buildings, especially older ones, may not have proper waterproofing or may suffer from wear and tear over time.
One of the most common causes is damaged or cracked waterproofing membranes. These membranes are often applied to roofs, walls, or bathroom floors to prevent water from passing through. Over time, due to age or improper installation, these membranes can fail, allowing water to seep through.
Leaky pipes inside walls or under the floor can also be a source of seepage. Since these pipes are hidden, the leak may go unnoticed for a long time. Over time, water starts to soak into surrounding surfaces, leading to discoloration and damp patches.
Clogged gutters or poor drainage can also cause water to accumulate around the foundation of a house. If the water has nowhere to go, it may seep into the building. This is more common in landed homes, but it can affect any building with poor drainage systems.
Lastly, if your neighbor’s unit has a plumbing issue or water is pooling on their bathroom floor, it could seep into your ceiling or walls. This is common in apartments or HDB flats where multiple units share walls and ceilings.
What are the Signs That You May Have Water Seepage?
Water seepage is not always obvious at first, but there are several signs to watch out for!
Musty Speel
One of the earliest signs of water seepage is a musty smell, which often indicates the presence of mold or mildew in your home, which is caused by the damp conditions inside.
Peeling Paint
You may also notice paint starting to peel or bubble, wallpaper coming loose, or patches of the wall or ceiling becoming discolored or soft to the touch.
Brown or Yellowish Rings On the Ceiling
Ceiling stains, particularly in bathrooms or kitchens, can signal that water is seeping from an upstairs unit. If you see brown or yellowish rings on your ceiling, that’s usually a sign that water has been sitting there for a while.
Damp Floor
Your home floor might also feel damp, especially near skirting boards or in corners. If you have wood or laminate flooring, you might notice warping or a slight lift in the boards.
These signs should never be ignored, as water seepage will not go away on its own. The longer it’s left untreated, the more damage it can do to your walls, paint, furniture, and even the electrical system in your home.
What to Do If You Notice Water Seepage?
The first thing to do is try to find the source of the seepage. Check if the problem happens after rain, during a shower, or only in one specific area. If the damp spot is near a bathroom, kitchen, or water pipe, it may be caused by internal plumbing.
However, since water can travel and appear far from the actual leak, it’s often difficult to diagnose the problem without professional help. That’s why it’s best to consult a trained handyman or leak detection expert who can assess the situation accurately. A qualified handyman can use tools to test for moisture, identify hidden leaks, and recommend the right fix. Depending on the cause, they may suggest sealing cracks, replacing waterproofing membranes, fixing faulty pipes, or unclogging drainage systems.
While temporary fixes like painting over stains or using dehumidifiers might make the area look better, they won’t solve the root problem. Covering up damp spots without repairing the source can trap moisture inside the wall and make things worse over time!
If you’re dealing with water seepage, leaking pipes, or any kind of household leak, don’t wait for the damage to get worse. Luce’s experienced handymen in Singapore specialize in solving leak and clog issues in all types of homes—whether it’s an HDB, condo, or landed property.
