Buildings B

4.1 Dealing With (e)Building Defects& NuisanceBathrooms, Kitchens or Balcony FloorsSources of leakageIn bathrooms or kitchens, the source of theleakage must be identified before any repairworks can be considered. If it is the looseningof components in the drainage system suchas bottle traps under the sink, basin or bathtub,simple fixing can stop the leak. However, ifdefective water supply pipes are identifiedas the culprit, licensed plumbers should beengaged to replace the defective parts oroverhaul the entire system.A common cause is defective sealant around the bathtubs, basins, sinksor defective waterproofing system at the floor. This problem can be easilydealt with by replacement of sealant. However, if there is a "wet floor"habit, the waterproofing system-— : of the floor is put to test. Should^ the cause be identified as waterspilled on to the floor, it is alwaysadvisable to reconstruct the entirewaterproofing layer instead ofpatch repair.In balconies where ponding may be frequent due to heavy rain or blockageof drain outlets by rubbish, the waterproofing system has to be sound inorder not to create nuisance to the floor below.RepairBefore reconstructing the waterproofing layer of a floor, all the sanitaryfitments and finishes should be removed to allow the formation of a continuouswaterproofing construction.Waterproof cement sand screeding or other similar materials is commonlyused. The screeding should be applied to have sufficient upturns at thebase of the walls, and have an adequate fall to the floor drain to preventwater ponding.Sanitary fitments are to be installed on top of the waterproofing layer withoutpenetrating it. The floor surface under the bath tub or shower tray shouldbe formed with a fall to avoid trapping water at their bases if water leakageever occurs.SELECTING THE APPROPRIATE SOLUTIONS