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4 household maintenance points for older HDB flats

By ServisHero

June 16, 2017 12:32 PM SGT

Living in an old HDB? Take a closer look at the not-so-obvious areas of your 40-year-old HDB flat and you might discover some unpleasant surprises that have been accruing over time.

As much as you would like to believe, household infrastructures are not built to withstand the test of time. If taken lightly, these ticking time bombs could potentially disrupt your peace, health and safety. Here are some household maintenance pointers for old HDB flats that would keep these loose cannons in check.

1. Rusty Pipes

Piping systems in older housing estates are generally made of ductile iron and cast iron, which are less corrosion-resistant than the newer cement-lined ductile iron pipes. Over time, the layer of rust formed inside the older pipes might infuse into your water supply, resulting in water discolouration. According to the PUB, it is still safe for drinking. However, if you’re bothered by the discolouration, get a plumber to replace your old pipes as soon as possible.

2. Flaking Paint

There are a couple of reasons why older flats would have flaking paint jobs. Apart from the fact that paint simply does not last forever, inadequate execution of the painting job might also be the culprit. For instance, repeated coating of new paints without proper surface preparation would result in too much weight, hence pulling down everything. On the flipside, when paint is applied too thinly, it is also more vulnerable to cracks. To make things easier, it is better to leave it in the hands of professional painters, sit back and relax.

3. Cracks in Your Concrete

Falling concrete pieces in HDB flats can potentially injure people around them. This problem is not new and often afflicts older flats. According to experts, spalling concrete is attributed to corroded metal structures embedded in the ceiling, manifested as concrete cracks in the early stage. Moisture-prone areas such as the bathroom run a higher risk as the humidity speeds up the corrosion process. So, the next time you notice a crack on your ceiling, it might be wiser to get someone to salvage it before someone gets hurt.

4. Old Wiring

Faulty circuits might be the reason of mobile phone batteries short-circuiting. Before you are accosted with a fire out of the blue, it is advisable to get an experienced electrician to check out your old wirings and make the necessary replacements.

With these regular checks in place, you can better ensure that you and your loved ones are well protected from the risks hidden in your home sweet home.

This article was contributed by ServisHero

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