Common HDB Rubbish Chute Problems

An HDB rubbish chute is a very convenient way of getting rid of the rubbish in your building or apartment. Every day, tonnes of garbage are disposed of via the chute without you even noticing. This innovative contraption works so smoothly, in fact, that sometimes the concept of maintenance is forgotten. Of course, little to no maintenance can lead to a whole host of (very expensive) issues, and could even result in you needing a rubbish chute replacement. 

We came up with a list of every possible issue that could arise with your HDB so you know what to look out for, and what to do when the time comes. 

Bugs

This may not occur to you as a problem, but you must remember that lots of bugs like rats and cockroaches are attracted to trash. The warmth provided by an HDB rubbish chute is the perfect environment for these pests to thrive. If these bugs manage to lay eggs, it will be incredibly difficult to get rid of them, and you may need to opt for a rubbish chute replacement. They could even get stuck between doors or crushed by the door closing, which will lead to incorrect closing and allow trash to seep out. If calling an exterminator doesn’t help, call PW Plumbing – we’ll have your rubbish chute in Singapore replaced with ease. 

Broken Door Handles

This is a very common problem with HDB rubbish chutes, and unfortunately, it is unavoidable. Rubbish chutes in Singapore can only be used for a certain period of time – once this date gets closer, wear and tear will get to them. This will obviously lead to the door handle breaking due to overuse. In some instances, the handle could simply be replaced, instead of opting for a full rubbish chute replacement. But if the rubbish chute door handle is part of its lock, it may be difficult to repair and you will need to go for a rubbish chute replacement.

Deteriorated Chutes

An HDB rubbish chute is designed to last,  at most, 10 years. With the passing of time and constant use, the chute is bound to deteriorate. You could make your rubbish chute in Singapore last longer by maintaining it correctly and attending to whatever repairs it requires as the need arises. But this is a time-consuming and expensive feat, so many people prefer to simply get a rubbish chute replacement as soon as possible. Call the experts at PW Plumbing, and we’ll let you know if your rubbish chute just needs some repairs, or if it needs a replacement entirely.

Foul Smell

As the name suggests, a rubbish chute disposes of trash – so a smell is to be expected. However, the door of an HDB rubbish chute is designed in such a way that it is able to seal the smell away internally. One of the easiest ways to keep your trash chute from emitting a stench is regular maintenance. This means periodically emptying the trash collected at the base of the chute and then having the chute cleaned and inspected consistently. No one passing by would be wise to the fact that there is garbage behind the door. Unfortunately, over time, it is possible that this seal may become loose – your first sign would be an awful stench. That’s when you know it is time to contact the professionals. 

Loose Hinge

Similarly to a broken handle, this problem also arises due to overuse, or poor maintenance. A loose hinge means your door will not close properly, giving way for nasty odours and rubbish to seep out and for bugs to creep in. This could also expose residents of your apartment or building to harmful toxic waste, which could potentially lead to health issues. There may be a chance for replacement, but with the overall cost considered, we would recommend you go for a full rubbish chute replacement. This way, once other issues arise, you won’t need to spend extra money, as you will own a brand-new rubbish chute in Singapore. 

Rust

If you notice that your HDB rubbish chute is rusting, it is time for an immediate rubbish chute replacement. Rust will hinder the functionality of your rubbish chute. Failure to replace a rusting rubbish chute could result in serious problems along the way. 

HDB rubbish chutes that are designed with low-quality materials tend to be less durable and will show signs of rust quite soon after installation. To avoid this, we recommend a stainless steel rubbish chute. Stainless steel is a very strong material and is resistant to rusting. If you want to be extra safe, you could even apply some anti-rust oil to your rubbish chute for an additional layer of protection. 

Fire Hazard

While some consider this fact to be a plus, it could also be a huge negative. Most HDB rubbish chutes are not required to be fire-rated. HDB rubbish chutes are prone to fires, and a recent fire could mean that you need an immediate rubbish chute replacement. The most common cause of a fire would be a flammable item, such as a pizza box, being thrown into the chute. Once this catches fire, the smallest spark could ignite all the other flammable items around it, resulting in an uncontrollable fire. 

If fires are a common problem with your rubbish chute, we suggest you opt for an HDB chute that is fire-rated. You may even purchase a condo rubbish chute – which is required to be fire-rated by law. 

Need a Rubbish Chute Repair or Replacement?

Are you having trouble getting your HBD rubbish chute to work properly? Have you noticed any of the above-listed telltale signs in your garbage chute? You may now know if you require a repair or a complete replacement of your rubbish chute . If you’re still not sure what the problem is, don’t worry! Contact us, and our team of experts at PW plumbing will figure out the cause, and come up with a solution. We will help you save time, money and effort.