Water leakage case

Professional Water Leakage Investigation Case: Source Tracing Report at The Cairnhill, Tsuen Wan, N.T.

Project background​

The management office had previously discovered signs of water leakage on the false ceiling and walls of the 7th-floor platform of Block 15, directly below the bathroom of Flat A on the 8th floor. Despite preliminary tests, the exact source of leakage remained undetermined, leading to the commission of our professional investigation.

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Professional Investigation Methods and Process

Our team of experts conducted a detailed, three-hour on-site survey on January 12, 2026. We employed multiple industry-recognized detection techniques to ensure objective and accurate conclusions:

High-Definition Infrared Scanning: Detects subtle temperature differences on the surface of building materials to locate areas and severity of moisture retention within walls and ceilings in a non-contact manner.

Fluorescent Tracer and Ultraviolet Light Testing: Involves injecting specific fluorescent tracers into different drainage points (including shower area, floor drain, waste pipes, etc.) in the upper-floor bathroom to simulate water flow and trace its path.

Visual Inspection: Surveyors meticulously examined the surface conditions of all affected areas, documenting specific signs such as water stains, cracks, and paint peeling.

(Infrared scan images of the affected locations)

(受影響位置的紅外線掃描影像)

(The affected area of ​​the false ceiling showed signs of water stains and oxidation.)

Findings and Key Discoveries​

Synthesizing data from all tests, we reached the following core findings:

Infrared Scan Clearly Shows Moisture Retention: Significant moisture retention was detected in all four affected areas on the ceiling and adjoining walls of the 7th-floor platform. Notably, the moisture level in these areas increased significantly after simulating drainage from the "shower waste pipe" and "washbasin waste pipe" of the upper-floor bathroom, indicating active water passage.

External Environmental Factors Ruled Out: The Hong Kong Observatory recorded zero rainfall on the survey day and the two preceding days. This data, combined with the internal moisture phenomenon, effectively ruled out rainwater ingress through the external wall as the cause.

Visual Confirmation of Damage Signs: The affected areas commonly exhibited typical signs of leakage, such as water stains, paint peeling, and white crystalline deposits on tile grout, corroborating the instrument readings.

Drawing Analysis Eliminates Other Sources: According to the building plans, the area above the affected zone is solely the upper-floor bathroom, with no adjacent units or other water facilities, further narrowing down the potential source.

Comprehensive Conclusion and Repair Recommendations​

Based on cross-analysis of all test results, there is sufficient evidence to indicate that the leakage source originates from the shower waste pipe and the washbasin waste pipe in the bathroom of Flat A on the 8th floor.​ The leaking water diffused downward through the floor slab, causing water damage in multiple locations on the 7th-floor platform and the water meter room below.

Regarding this situation, we provided detailed repair recommendations and a cost assessment:

1.Upper-Floor Unit (Source Repair): It is recommended to cut off and re-connect the problematic shower and washbasin waste pipes to resolve the leakage.

2.Surveyed Unit (Damage Repair): For the approximately 285 square feet of affected area downstairs (including ceiling and walls), carry out works including removal of loose concrete, anti-rust treatment for reinforcement bars, re-rendering and painting, replacement of the false ceiling, and wall tiles.

3.Cost Estimate: Integrating required labor, materials, and contractor profit, the total estimated repair cost is approximately HKD 43,836​ (the actual amount is subject to the contractor's quotation). The project duration is estimated to be around 12 to 14 working days.

Expert Credentials Endorsement

This report is signed and confirmed by Mr. LEUNG KA CHUN, Managing Director of Silver Consultants Engineering Ltd. As a Chartered Building Surveyor (MRICS), Chartered Builder (MCIOB), and Chartered Building Engineer (MCABE), Mr. Leung possesses extensive experience in building diagnostics and surveying, ensuring the professional authority of the investigation.

Choosing Silver Surveyors for Professionalism and Peace of Mind

This leakage investigation at The Cairnhill once again embodies Silver Surveyors' service ethos of "Precise Investigation for Truth, Impartiality for Trust." By leveraging advanced detection equipment, multiple technical methods, rigorous analytical logic, and an experienced expert team, we can look beyond superficial signs to identify the core of the problem, providing clients with independent, impartial, and reliable professional opinions and solutions.

Whether you are facing residential leakage, commercial building defects, or more complex building diagnostics challenges, the Silver Surveyors team can provide you with tailored professional services. Please feel free to contact us. Let our expertise safeguard your property.

Is your property suffering from leaks and you're struggling to find the source?

Contact Silver Surveyors. Let scientific evidence solve the mystery for you.

TEL：+852 3489 9268

Website：www.silversurveyor.org