Every HDB flat in Singapore, whether it’s brand new or 30 years old, eventually needs repairs. Some issues pop up within the first few years. Others are the result of daily wear and tear, Singapore’s humidity, or simply ageing fixtures.
Here are the 10 most common HDB repairs we see, along with practical advice on how to fix them and when it makes sense to call in a professional.
1. Leaky Taps
A dripping tap is the classic household nuisance. That slow drip might not seem like much, but it wastes litres of water over time and can push up your PUB bill.
Common cause: Worn-out rubber washers or cartridges inside the tap.
DIY fix: Turn off the water supply at the stopcock under the sink. Disassemble the tap handle, replace the washer or cartridge (bring the old one to a hardware shop to match it), and reassemble. Most kitchen and bathroom taps use standard parts.
Call a pro if: The leak is at the pipe connection rather than the tap itself, or if you’re not sure how to shut off the water supply.
2. Running or Faulty Toilet Flush
A toilet that keeps running after flushing wastes a surprising amount of water. It’s one of the most common complaints in HDB flats.
Common cause: A worn flush valve seal or a faulty fill valve inside the cistern.
DIY fix: Open the cistern and check the flapper valve. If it’s warped or doesn’t seal properly, replace it. Replacement parts are available at most hardware stores for under $10. For dual-flush toilets, the mechanism is slightly more complex but still replaceable.
Call a pro if: You’ve replaced the parts but the problem persists, which could indicate a crack in the cistern.
3. Chipped or Cracked Floor Tiles
Dropping something heavy on a floor tile can cause chips or cracks. Over time, tiles may also crack due to the building settling.
Common cause: Impact damage, building movement, or poor original installation.
DIY fix: For small chips, a colour-matched epoxy filler can make the damage nearly invisible. For cracked tiles, you can attempt a single tile replacement, but it requires a grinder, chisel, and some patience to avoid damaging surrounding tiles.
Call a pro if: Multiple tiles are cracked (which could indicate a structural issue), or if you’re not confident with tile work. A botched tile replacement is hard to undo.
4. Loose or Broken Door Handles
Door handles get used dozens of times a day. It’s no surprise they loosen up or break, especially cheaper models.
Common cause: Loose screws, worn internal springs, or a misaligned latch.
DIY fix: Tighten the screws on both sides of the handle. If the handle is broken, replacements are widely available. Most interior door handles in HDB flats use a standard bore size, so finding a match is straightforward.
Call a pro if: The door frame or latch plate is damaged and needs adjustment.
5. Jammed or Stiff Sliding Windows
HDB sliding windows can become stiff over time, especially if the tracks accumulate dirt and grime.
Common cause: Dirty tracks, corroded rollers, or misaligned frames.
DIY fix: Clean the tracks thoroughly with an old toothbrush and soapy water. Once dry, apply a silicone-based lubricant along the tracks. If the window still sticks, the rollers may need adjustment. Most HDB sliding windows have adjustment screws at the bottom edge of the window panel.
Call a pro if: The window frame is warped or the rollers are broken and need replacing.
6. Peeling or Flaking Wall Paint
Paint doesn’t last forever, especially in Singapore’s humid environment. Bathroom and kitchen walls are particularly prone to peeling.
Common cause: Moisture, poor surface preparation during the original paint job, or using low-quality paint.
DIY fix: Scrape off all loose paint, sand the surface smooth, apply a coat of primer, and repaint. Make sure to address the underlying moisture issue first, especially in bathrooms.
Call a pro if: The peeling covers a large area, there’s visible mould behind the paint, or you want a professional finish across multiple rooms.
7. Electrical Socket or Switch Issues
Switches that spark, outlets that don’t work, or light switches that feel warm to the touch are common in older HDB flats.
Common cause: Worn contacts, loose wiring, or old switches reaching the end of their lifespan.
DIY fix: Replacing a light switch or socket cover is relatively simple if you’re comfortable turning off the main breaker and working with basic wiring. However, this involves electrical work.
Call a pro if: You notice sparking, burning smells, or frequent tripping of the circuit breaker. Electrical issues can be dangerous. For anything beyond a simple switch swap, a qualified electrician is the safest choice.
8. Water Stains on the Ceiling
Water stains on the ceiling are unsightly and can signal a bigger problem. In HDB flats, this often comes from the unit above.
Common cause: A leak from the upstairs neighbour’s bathroom, a leaking pipe within the ceiling void, or condensation from poorly insulated aircon pipes.
DIY fix: Once the source of the leak has been identified and fixed, you can repaint the stained area. Sand lightly, apply a stain-blocking primer, and repaint.
Call a pro if: The leak is active and you need to identify the source. Water stains from an upstairs unit may require coordination with your neighbour and your town council.
9. Mouldy Bathroom Silicone Sealant
The silicone sealant around bathtubs, shower screens, and basin edges turns black with mould over time. It’s one of the most common cosmetic issues in Singapore bathrooms.
Common cause: Constant moisture exposure combined with Singapore’s warm, humid climate.
DIY fix: Remove the old sealant completely using a silicone removal tool or a sharp blade. Clean the area with a bleach solution and let it dry thoroughly. Apply new silicone sealant (use a bathroom-grade anti-mould version) and smooth it with a wet finger or a sealant tool.
Call a pro if: You want a neat, professional finish or the mould has spread behind tiles.
10. Aircon Water Leaks
A dripping aircon unit is one of the most frequent complaints in Singapore homes. Water pooling under the indoor unit is annoying and can damage your walls and floor.
Common cause: A clogged condensate drain line, dirty filters, or a frozen evaporator coil.
DIY fix: Start by cleaning the filters (most slide out easily). If the leak continues, the drain line likely needs flushing. You can try using a thin wire or a vacuum to clear the blockage from the drain outlet.
Call a pro if: The leak persists after cleaning, or if you notice ice forming on the indoor unit. This could indicate low refrigerant or a compressor issue that needs a trained technician.
Know When to DIY and When to Call
A good rule of thumb: if the job takes basic tools, doesn’t involve mains electricity or major plumbing, and the worst-case scenario is purely cosmetic, DIY is worth a shot. But if you’re unsure, or if getting it wrong could cause damage or safety issues, calling in help is the smart move.
Forhad Handyman Services handles all of these common HDB repairs and more. Whether it’s a leaky tap, a broken door handle, or a full list of odd jobs you’ve been putting off, we can usually sort things out in a single visit at affordable rates. Get in touch for a free quote and let’s get your home back in shape.