Leak questions answered

Finding the source of a ceiling leak

Where does a ceiling leak in an HDB flat usually come from?

HDB explains that ceiling leaks happen when water from the flat above seeps through the floor slab, usually through wear and tear of the waterproof membrane and screed. HDB says this is common in older buildings and typically occurs in toilets and bathrooms.

How do I check whether the leak is from my pipes or upstairs?

The stain alone may not tell you. Take photos, note when the patch gets wetter and speak to your upstairs neighbour. Under HDB's process, you agree a time for a check and engage a contractor jointly, and the contractor confirms the source before recommending a repair method.

Could a damp patch be condensation rather than a leak?

It may be. Damp can have more than one cause, and you may not be able to tell from below. Ask a contractor to check the patch before you clean, paint or start a repair. If it does turn out to be a leak, HDB says neighbours should address it promptly.

Who pays for leak repairs

HDB says owners maintain their own flats, including the floor and ceiling slabs. Who pays depends on where the water comes from.

How do two neighbours share a leak repair?

For a leak between two flats, HDB says the owners arrange the repair and split the costs. The steps are to talk to each other, agree a time for a check, engage a contractor jointly, let the contractor confirm the source and recommend a method, then split the cost. You negotiate price and scope with the contractor yourselves.

Who fixes a leak on the topmost floor?

HDB says a leak on the topmost floor comes from the roof, which is common property, so contact your Town Council. Tell them where the stain is and keep your photos. If you are not sure which office handles a problem, see HDB or condo repairs: who to ask.

Who handles a leak in a void deck ceiling?

For a leak in a void deck ceiling, HDB says the Town Council and the flat owner jointly arrange the repair and split the costs. This is different from a leak between two flats, where the two owners share the work. Keep a record of when the leak was reported and what was agreed.

Who pays for leaks from external walls or the rooftop?

For leaks from external walls or the rooftop, HDB says the Town Council bears the full repair cost. If you are not sure whether water is coming through an outside wall, report where it appears and ask your Town Council whether it is an external wall issue.

Repairs and warranties

What repair methods does HDB describe?

HDB recommends re-screeding. It also describes localised repair at the floor waste grating and treatment of exposed concrete at the floor waste, and other methods such as PU injection and overlaying waterproofing membrane systems. Some leaks need more than one method. The contractor recommends one, so ask why they chose it.

What if my new flat leaks within the defects liability period?

New HDB flats have a 1-year Defects Liability Period (DLP) from key collection. Report the leak to HDB online, using the QR code in your Welcome Kit or on the kitchen wall notice, or at the Building Service Centre. The BSC arranges a joint inspection and assigns a contractor. HDB usually takes less than 2 weeks to complete a repair.

Who fixes a leak after the DLP ends?

After the DLP, HDB says owners engage their own repair contractor and are responsible for keeping fittings and fixtures in good condition. For a leak between two flats, the joint process with your neighbour still applies. If the work involves water service or sanitary pipes, check whether it needs a PUB Licensed Plumber.

How should I get and compare quotes?

PUB advises discussing scope and cost first, asking for itemised quotes and getting at least three quotes. Price depends on the job, so compare quotes for the same scope of work, and ask whether a quote covers tracing the source as well as the repair. You can compare plumbers in the directory.

Where to go next

This water seepage FAQ gives short answers. For more detail, these pages go further:

• What to do about a ceiling leak: first steps when water drips from your ceiling and who to contact.
• Leak repair: what plumbers check when they trace and repair a leak.
• Mould on the ceiling: cleaning small patches safely and stopping mould coming back.
• Plumbing costs: published prices for common plumbing jobs, each with its source.

Questions