Although kitchen‑bath waterproofing is less noticeable compared with other renovation items, it is closely related to living quality and is easily overlooked. Poor waterproofing during renovation will frequently lead to water leakage and material damage, which greatly undermine residential comfort.
## I. How to Prevent Water Leakage
### 1. Material Selection
To avoid leakage in kitchens and bathrooms, high‑quality building materials shall be selected. Water pipes are concealed inside kitchen structures. Drainage pipes shall be not only high‑quality but also brand‑name products for reliable performance. For all waterproof materials, check their inspection reports and qualification certificates.
### 2. Water‑Storage Test
A water‑storage test is indispensable before renovation. Fill kitchens and bathrooms with water for a 48‑hour leakage test to check whether water seeps down to the floor below, so as to avoid disputes with neighbors in the future.
### 3. Grooving Treatment
Grooves are cut in walls for embedded wiring. Special attention shall be paid to backfilling after grooving is completed. Seal gaps with professional joint sealant to prevent future water leakage.
## II. Construction Procedures
### 1. Surface Preparation
Clean the base surface thoroughly before waterproof construction to minimize dust. Level the base layers of walls and floors.
### 2. Rigid Waterproof Coating
Add a small amount of water to achieve a relatively thick consistency. Apply the coating first to internal corners and pipe roots. Next, carefully coat surrounding wall sections, and finally complete large‑area application on walls and floors.
### 3. Flexible Waterproof Coating
Apply flexible waterproof coating after the rigid coating is fully dried. Mix it with water to a thin consistency. Similarly, prime internal corners and pipe roots first, then coat walls and floors. For the second coat, prepare a thicker mixture for large‑area brushing.
### 4. Introduction to Rigid and Flexible Waterproof Materials
‑ **Rigid waterproof material**: Cement‑sand based mortar mixed with minor admixtures and high‑molecular polymers, forming cement‑mortar waterproof coating with anti‑seepage performance.
‑ **Flexible waterproof material**: Mainly made of organic materials such as asphalt and felt. Bonded onto structural roof slabs for leveling to form effective waterproof protective layers.
## III. Key Waterproof Zones in Kitchens & Bathrooms
### 1. Wall Surfaces
Kitchen wall waterproof height shall reach 30 cm. Where washing machines or wash basins are installed, raise the waterproof height up to 1.2 m. For bathrooms, full‑wall waterproofing is preferred. If not applied up to ceiling, the minimum height shall be no less than 1.8 m.
### 2. Floor Surfaces
Floor waterproofing cannot be neglected. Corners and gaps tend to trap water and cause mildew. Ensure waterproof coating is evenly applied over all these gaps.
## IV. Solutions for Water Seepage
### 1. Large‑area Seepage
In case of large‑area seepage, remove the original waterproof layer and floor tiles, redo the whole waterproofing system, complete the water‑storage test for validation, and finally restore surface finishes.
### 2. Partial Seepage
Partial leakage often occurs at wall bases and drain outlets. Cut through to the original waterproof layer, clean the area thoroughly, and re‑apply waterproof coating. After full curing of the new waterproof layer, perform a 48‑hour water‑storage test. Only when no leakage is detected can surface restoration proceed.
Waterproofing work may seem unremarkable, yet it safeguards household safety. Kitchen‑bath waterproofing is a critical renovation step. Choose high‑quality materials and follow standard construction procedures strictly to guarantee reliable waterproof performance. Once leakage is spotted in daily life, carry out timely repairs to avoid negative impacts on normal use.
