Want to check the condition of your waterproof membrane yourself? It's not difficult. Let's take it step by step, focusing on these aspects:
Routine Visual and Tactile Inspection (Zero Cost, 5 Minutes)
Look: Focus on checking the tile grout, corners, and the outer side of the threshold stone for watermarks, efflorescence (white fuzz), or mold.
Touch: Press your hand against the base of the wall or floor tiles for a few seconds. If it feels cold or damp, there may be a leak.
Tap: Gently tap the tiles. If you hear a hollow sound, the mortar layer may have absorbed water.
Simulated Use Scenario "Water Shower Test" (10-30 Minutes)
Applicable to: Walls, shower areas.
Procedure: Continuously spray the wall from top to bottom with a showerhead for 30 minutes, focusing on corners, pipe roots, and the threshold stone. Within 2 hours after spraying, check the downstairs or adjacent walls for new damp patches.
Advantages: More closely resembles actual usage conditions than a water tightness test, and can detect problems such as insufficient slope and ineffective edge finishing.
Professional Instrument Testing (Rental or Hire a Professional)
Infrared Thermal Imager: Due to evaporation and heat absorption, the temperature in water-containing areas is 0.5-2℃ lower than in dry areas, creating "cold spots" on the screen. Rental: 200-300 RMB/time; On-site service: 500-800 RMB/household.
Handheld Wall Moisture Meter: A moisture content >8% indicates leakage.
Pipe Pressure Test: Close all faucets and use a pressure pump to pressurize the hot and cold water pipes to 0.8MPa. Hold the pressure for 30 minutes. A pressure drop >0.05MPa indicates a hidden leak in the pipes, not a failure of the waterproofing layer.