Leak Detection and Trace & Access
Leak detection means finding a leak you cannot see — under a floor, inside a wall, above a ceiling or on a buried supply pipe — before opening anything up. We narrow the leak down by isolating circuits, testing pressure and watching the water meter, then open up only what is needed to reach it, and give you a written description of the cause for your insurer.
A damp patch rarely sits directly under the leak. Water travels along joists, pipes and floor screed, so opening up where the stain is often means opening up twice. Narrowing the leak down first is what keeps the damage and the cost down.
Many buildings policies cover trace and access — the cost of finding the leak and getting to it. Our written description of the cause and the repair is what insurers and loss adjusters usually ask for.
What's included
- Water meter and pressure testing to confirm a leak and which circuit it is on
- Isolating hot, cold and heating circuits to narrow the search
- Moisture readings through floors, walls and ceilings
- Targeted opening-up only once the run is identified
- Repair of the failed pipe, joint or fitting
- Written description of the cause for insurers, landlords and freeholders
Signs of a hidden leak
- The water meter moves when every tap is off
- Boiler pressure keeps dropping with no visible leak
- A damp patch, stain or bubbling paint that keeps growing
- Warm spots on a floor over heating pipework
- A sudden rise in your water bill
- Water appearing in the flat below
How the job runs
- 1
Confirm
Meter and pressure tests confirm whether water is escaping and from which circuit.
- 2
Narrow down
Circuits are isolated and moisture readings taken to locate the run.
- 3
Access
Only the section needed is opened up, after agreeing it with you.
- 4
Repair
The failed pipe or joint is repaired and the system tested.
- 5
Report
You receive a written description of the cause and the repair.
What it costs
Leak detection is charged as a call-out that includes the first hour on site — £99 standard hours (8am–6pm), £129 evenings (6pm–10pm) and Saturdays, £169 nights (10pm–8am), £149 Sundays and £199 bank holidays — with any further time at £95 per hour. We tell you what the search is likely to involve before the included hour runs out.
How our pricing worksLeak detection across our coverage area
This service is available in every area we cover. Choose your area for local detail and the things worth knowing about the housing and water supply there.
Leak detection: common questions
Related services
Burst Pipe & Leak Repair
Tracing hidden leaks under floors, behind walls and above ceilings, then repairing the pipework properly.
Water Supply Pipe, Stop Tap & Lead Pipe Replacement
Replacing leaking or lead supply pipes and seized or failed stop taps.
Landlord & Commercial Plumbing
Reactive call-outs, tenant liaison and planned maintenance for landlords, agents and commercial sites.
Advice before your leak detection visit
Request your leak detection quote
- Gas Safe registered engineers
- Up to £5 million public liability cover
The 24 Hour Plumber provides leak detection across the GU, KT, SW, CR, SM, TW, BR, RH and BN postcode areas, with calls answered 24/7. Send the details below and we will call you back to talk through the job and the price — nothing is booked until you agree.
Need leak detection? Talk to us now.
Calls answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including bank holidays. Tell us your postcode and what you can see, and we'll give you a realistic arrival window before you commit to anything.
Phone: 020 8798 2063