Kitchen flood
A kitchen flood is water spreading across the kitchen or service yard floor, usually from a choked sink or floor trap, a washing machine hose or a burst flexible hose under the sink. Turn off the water first, and the cause can usually be cleared or repaired in one visit.
Typical price
$80–$250per job, standard hoursTypical job time
30–120 min
Estimate, confirm on WhatsApp
What it looks like
- Water spreading from the sink area or service yard across the kitchen floor.
- The floor trap overflowing when the sink or washing machine drains.
- Water dripping or spraying inside the sink cabinet.
- Water pooling under the washing machine, dishwasher or a water heater.
- Water seeping under cabinets or into the next room.
Common causes
- A choked kitchen sink or floor trap backing up when water drains into it.
- A washing machine outlet hose that slipped out of the floor trap, or an inlet hose that burst.
- A burst or loose flexible hose under the sink.
- A dishwasher hose or connection that has come loose.
- A leaking pipe joint, valve or water heater connection.
- A choke in the branch pipe or common stack that also affects other fittings.
Before you call
Safe things to try first
- Turn off the water. Use the stop valve under the sink or the washing machine tap, or the main valve if you cannot find the source.
- Switch off power to the washing machine, dishwasher and points near the water at the distribution board, if you can do it safely.
- Stop using the sink, washing machine and dishwasher, and lift items off the floor.
- Mop water towards a floor trap that still drains, and keep it from seeping under cabinets or into the flat below.
Stop and call if
- Water has reached sockets, appliances or extension cords.
- The floor trap is backing up with dirty water from the drain.
- A hose or pipe is still spraying after you closed the valve you found.
- Water is getting into the flat below.
What we do
- 1Confirm the water is off and it is safe to work.
- 2Find the source: a choked sink or floor trap, a loose or burst hose, or a leaking fitting.
- 3Clear the choke with hand tools or a drain machine, or replace the failed hose, valve or connector.
- 4Run the sink, washing machine and floor trap to confirm everything drains and nothing leaks.
- 5Explain the cause and anything that needs follow-up, such as a Licensed Electrical Worker (LEW) for wet electrics.
How much it costs
Most kitchen flood jobs in Singapore cost $80–$250 (per job, standard hours). This is an estimate; the final price is confirmed on WhatsApp or on site before work starts.
- Kitchen sink or floor trap choke clearing$80–$220
- Replace a burst flexible hose or washer inlet hose$50–$120
- Repair a leaking exposed pipe joint$80–$200
- After-hours surcharge$50–$150
HDB, condo and landed
HDB
Kitchen and service yard floor traps, sink pipes and hoses are the owner's, and HDB asks owners not to tamper with floor traps. If the kitchen floor trap backs up with water from elsewhere, the common stack may be choked, so call the town council.
Condo
Unit fittings are the owner's; stacks and common pipes are the MCST's. Let security know a plumber is coming, and inform management if water reaches common areas.
Landed
Kitchen waste usually runs to an inspection chamber outside. If that chamber is full, the blockage is in the underground line, which the owner is responsible for.
Kitchen flood: common questions
What should I do first when my kitchen floods?
Turn off the water at the nearest valve or the main valve, switch off power to appliances near the water if it is safe, and stop using the sink and washing machine. Then call for help.
Why does my kitchen floor trap overflow when I use the sink?
In many flats the sink drains into the kitchen floor trap. If grease has choked the trap or the pipe beyond it, water from the sink comes back up through the grating.
My washing machine floods the service yard. What should I check?
Check that the outlet hose is seated firmly in the floor trap, that the inlet hose is not cracked at the tap, and that the machine's own filter is clean. If the floor trap is still slow, it needs clearing.
Should I replace the hoses under my sink before they burst?
Flexible hoses with rust on the braid, bulges or drips at the ends are worth replacing. It is simple work that does not need a PUB Licensed Plumber.
Is clean-up part of the plumbing job?
No. The plumber stops the cause and does basic clean-up of the work area. Drying out cabinets and flooring, and repairing water damage, is separate work.
Get a price for kitchen flood
Send a photo or short video, your home type and postal code. We reply with a price range and the earliest slot.
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