Last updated: 2026-10-10
Seepwise arranges water leak detection in Singapore homes for leaks you cannot see: a damp patch with no obvious source, a water bill that keeps climbing, or a ceiling stain that does not match the bathroom above. The aim is simple: know exactly where to open before anything is hacked.
What happens on the first visit
A detection visit combines methods, because no single tool finds every leak: a moisture meter to map wet areas, a thermal camera to show the temperature pattern of water in walls and slabs, dye tests in floor traps and fittings, and pressure tests on concealed pipes to see whether they hold. You get a marked-up finding with photos and a recommendation for the right trade.
Signs of a hidden leak
- A water bill rising with no change in use
- The sound of running water when every tap is off
- A damp patch that stays the same size in dry weather
- Warm or cold spots on a floor or wall
- A ceiling stain that grows when the unit above is empty
What each method tells you
| --- | --- | --- |
|---|---|---|
| Moisture meter | How wet a surface is, and where it is wettest | Shows the symptom, not always the source |
| Pressure test | Whether a concealed pipe run holds pressure | Confirms a pipe leak, not its exact point |
Why detection first saves money
Hacking a floor or wall to look for a leak is the expensive way to search. A detection visit narrows it to the fitting, pipe run or wet area involved, so the repair opens one place instead of several. It also gives you the written finding that HDB, an MCST or a neighbour will ask for before agreeing who pays (BCA Guide 13).
What is included
- Moisture map of affected areas
- Thermal imaging scan
- Dye tests on traps and fittings
- Pressure test on concealed pipes where needed
- Marked-up photos of the finding
- Recommended trade and method
- Written report for HDB, the MCST or a neighbour
- No hacking during detection
Painting over it vs a quick fix vs a proper repair
| DIY | Quick fix | Proper repair | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Search method | Guesswork | Hack and look | Meters, thermal, dye, pressure |
| Damage to find it | None or a lot | Several openings | None during detection |
| Written finding | No | No | Marked-up report |
| Useful in a dispute | No | Rarely | Yes |
| Right trade sent | Unknown | Whoever came | Plumbing, waterproofing or facade |
What it costs
Detection is quoted as a visit; the repair is quoted separately once the source is confirmed.
Try the cost estimator or read the waterproofing cost guide.
Related guides
- Water Dripping From the Ceiling: Aircon, Pipe or Slab?
- Ceiling Leak From Upstairs: What to Do First
- Who Pays for an HDB Ceiling Leak?
How it is done
- History. When it started, when it grows, what is above and beside.
- Survey. Moisture and thermal readings across the area.
- Confirm. Dye or pressure tests on the suspects.
- Report. Marked-up finding and the right repair route.