When building a bathroom, especially on an upper floor, checking for leaks is very important. The goal is to prevent water seepage from the floor that spreads to the walls and several rooms on the floor below.
In general, there are several ways to prevent water seepage in an upstairs bathroom, by applying the following steps.
1. Clean the bathroom floor before installing floor tiles. Then rinse the floor with cement water to cover the pores on the concrete floor surface.
By sealing the floor's pores, the potential for water seepage can be reduced. The mixture is like a plaster paste but thinner.
2. While damp, coat the floor with a cement-based waterproofing layer, namely no drop 100. It has the advantage of being a waterproofing coating for areas that contain water.
For maximum results, apply at least 2 coats in a perpendicular pattern.
3. Perform a leak test by closing all drains, such as the floor drain. Then fill with water and let it sit for 2 to 3 days.
After that, check the concrete slab from the floor below for any accumulated water seepage. Repeat the first step if water traces are still found on the slab.
Solution If Leaks Have Already Occurred
1. Dismantle the floor tiles in the upstairs bathroom (whatever type of ceramic). If there is a plan to reinstall them, the dismantling needs to be done carefully.
2. Clean the floor until it is completely spotless. This aims to ensure that the concrete surface is sterile. This way, the waterproofing layer can adhere perfectly later.
3. Perform patching if the concrete is cracked. Inject with grouting to repair its structure. However, if there are no cracks, you can proceed to the next step.
4. Install a waterproofing layer. Waterproofing is necessary to make the tile grout ready for water exposure. Use no drop 100, which functions as a waterproofing coating, to prevent water from seeping down.
Once everything is complete, the final step is to reinstall the floor tiles.
Here are some steps you can take to address seepage problems in the bathroom. Hopefully, it will be useful and inspire all your homes.
Good luck trying!
