Bathroom Renovation Mistakes That Cause Leaks -And How to Avoid Them
- adele.tct
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
Bathroom leaks are one of the most common — and costly — renovation problems in Singapore homes. What starts as a small water seepage can quickly turn into damaged ceilings, mould issues, neighbour complaints, and expensive repairs.
Most bathroom leaks are not caused by old buildings — they are caused by renovation mistakes. Here are the most common ones, and how proper planning can prevent them.
1. Poor or Incomplete Waterproofing
This is the number one cause of bathroom leaks.
Common mistakes:
Skipping waterproofing on certain walls
Applying waterproofing only on the floor
Using low-quality waterproofing materials
Not allowing proper curing time
Correct practice: Waterproofing should be applied to the floor and at least 300mm up the walls, and full height in shower areas.
2. No Proper Water Ponding Test
Some contractors rush through bathroom works without conducting a water ponding test.
Why it matters:
It checks for leaks before tiles are installed
It ensures waterproofing works properly
Correct practice: A minimum 24-hour water ponding test before tiling.
3. Incorrect Floor Gradient (Slope)
If the floor slope is wrong, water will not flow into the floor trap properly.
Results:
Water pooling in corners
Seepage through tile joints
Higher risk of long-term leakage
Correct practice: Ensure correct gradient towards the floor trap during screeding.
4. Improper Tile Installation & Grouting
Tiles and grout are not waterproof — they are only a surface finish.
Common issues:
Hollow tiles
Cracked grout
Poor alignment around floor traps
Correct practice: Solid tile installation with proper adhesive, clean joints, and quality grout.
5. Reusing Old Floor Traps or Pipes
Trying to save cost by reusing old components often backfires.
Problems include:
Loose connections
Aging pipes
Improper sealing
Correct practice: Replace floor traps and exposed pipes during major bathroom renovations.
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6. Improper Pipe Sealing & Joint Connections
Leaks often happen at pipe joints — not open surfaces.
Common mistakes:
Loose fittings
Poor sealant application
Concealed joints without testing
Correct practice: Pressure testing and inspection before concealing pipes.
7. Installing Fixtures Too Early
Installing toilets, basins, or shower fittings before waterproofing and tiling are fully cured can damage the waterproof layer.
Correct practice: Install fixtures only after all wet works are completed and cured.
8. Ignoring Bathroom Door Threshold Height
A flat or low threshold allows water to escape into dry areas.
Correct practice: Maintain a slight step-down or water barrier at the bathroom entrance.
9. Poor Coordination Between Trades
Bathroom renovation involves multiple teams — hacking, plumbing, waterproofing, tiling, electrical.
Without proper coordination:
Waterproofing gets damaged
Pipes get disturbed
Errors go unnoticed
Correct practice: One coordinated team managing the entire workflow.
10. Choosing Cost Over Experience
Cheap bathroom renovation packages often cut corners on:
Waterproofing layers
Testing time
Skilled workmanship
Leaks don’t show immediately — they appear months later.
Correct practice: Choose experienced renovation teams that follow proper procedures, not shortcuts.
Bathroom leaks are preventable. The right materials, correct sequencing, proper testing, and experienced workmanship make all the difference.
A well-renovated bathroom should be water-tight, durable, and worry-free — not a future repair project.
Renovating Your Bathroom?
At How 2 Design 4U, we follow strict waterproofing procedures, proper testing, and experienced workmanship to ensure your bathroom renovation lasts. Contact How 2 Design for a consultation today!
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