Water pipe leak repair
A leaking water pipe shows as a dripping joint, a wet patch under the sink or along a wall, or a meter that keeps moving with every tap off. Most exposed leaks are fixed in one visit by replacing the faulty joint or section, which must be done by a PUB Licensed Plumber.
Typical price
$80–$200per job, exposed pipe, standard hoursTypical job time
1–2 hours
Estimate, confirm on WhatsApp
PUB rule: this work must be done by a PUB Licensed Plumber. Since 2018 it is an offence to engage an unlicensed plumber for it. You can check any plumber on PUB's Licensed Plumber Directory.What needs a licensed plumber
Signs to look for
- Water dripping from a joint, valve or bend on an exposed pipe, often in the kitchen, service yard or under the basin.
- A damp patch, stain or bubbling paint on a wall where a pipe runs behind it.
- The water meter keeps moving when every tap and appliance is off.
- A water bill that jumps with no change in how much water you use.
- Green crust around copper joints, or rust stains on older galvanised pipes.
- A hissing sound in a wall or ceiling when nobody is using water.
Common causes
- Ageing pipes. Many older flats still have their original pipes, which corrode and thin out over the decades.
- Loose or worn compression fittings and threaded joints.
- Pipe clips that have come loose, letting the pipe vibrate until a joint works free.
- Damage during renovation, such as a drill or nail through a pipe in the wall.
- Corrosion where two different metals are joined, or where a pipe sits against damp concrete.
- Pressure surges (water hammer) when a tap or washing machine valve shuts off quickly.
Before you call
Safe things to try first
- Do a meter test. Turn off every tap and appliance, note the meter reading, and check again after 30 to 60 minutes. If it moves, there is a leak somewhere after the meter.
- If water is spraying or pooling, close the stop valve. It is at the meter, and many flats have a second valve inside near the kitchen or service yard.
- Wipe the pipe dry and put a bowl under a slow drip, so you can see exactly where the water starts.
- Take a photo or short video of the leak and the pipe around it. It helps the plumber bring the right fittings.
Stop and call if
- Water is spraying, or the leak speeds up after you close and reopen the valve.
- Water is near power points, the DB box or appliances.
- The leak is inside a wall or under the floor and you cannot see the pipe.
- Water is reaching the flat below or the common corridor.
What we do
- 1Ask where the water appears and do a meter test to confirm the leak is on your side of the meter.
- 2Shut off the supply and trace the leak to the exact joint, fitting or section of pipe.
- 3Replace the faulty fitting, or cut out the damaged section and join in new pipe. This is water service work and must be done by a PUB Licensed Plumber.
- 4If the leak turns out to be inside a wall, explain the two options, a new exposed run or opening the wall, with the cost of each, before going further.
- 5Turn the water back on, check every new joint under pressure, and re-check the meter with all taps closed.
How much it costs
Most water pipe leak repair jobs in Singapore cost $80–$200 (per job, exposed pipe, standard hours). This is an estimate; the final price is confirmed on WhatsApp or on site before work starts.
- Repair a leaking exposed joint, fitting or short section$80–$200
- Leak detection when the source is hidden$120–$350
- Concealed section rerouted as exposed pipe$250–$600
- Inspection fee if no repair goes ahead$50–$120
HDB, condo and landed
HDB
PUB maintains the supply up to and including the water meter. The pipe from the meter into your flat, and every pipe inside, is the owner's to repair. The main stop valve is at the meter in the common corridor, and many flats have a second valve inside.
Water pipe leak repair in HDB homesCondo
Pipes inside your unit are usually yours. Pipes in common areas and the risers are maintained by the MCST through the managing agent. Tell management before work starts, as by-laws often set the hours when plumbing work is allowed.
Landed
You own everything after the PUB meter, which is usually at the gate, including the underground line to the house. A leak there can show up as a wet patch in the garden or driveway, or a meter that keeps turning.
Water pipe leak repair: common questions
Can I use leak tape or epoxy putty on a leaking pipe?
As a stopgap on a slow drip, yes, but it is not a repair. Tape and putty give way under pressure and do not hold well on corroded pipe. Have the joint or section replaced properly.
Is a leak after the water meter PUB's problem?
No. PUB maintains the supply up to and including the meter. Any leak after the meter, including pipes inside your walls, is the owner's to repair, and the water lost goes on your bill.
My pipe is leaking and the flat below has a stain. What should I do first?
Close the stop valve, wipe up standing water and tell your neighbour. Then get the pipe repaired. If the meter stays still with every tap off, the stain may be from bathroom waterproofing instead, which follows HDB's ceiling leak process.
Should I replace all the old pipes or just the leaking part?
If the rest of the pipe is in good shape, a section repair is fine. If these are the original pipes in an older flat and this is not the first leak, replacing the whole run is often better value than fixing leaks one at a time. Ask to see the condition of the section that was cut out.
Will my water be cut off during the repair?
Yes, while the fitting or section is replaced, usually under an hour for an exposed joint. Fill a pail or kettle beforehand if you need water.
Get a price for water pipe leak repair
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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