Leak detection services
Signs of a leak are easy to spot, but the source of the water is often difficult to pinpoint. Most of the pipes that carry water around your house are hidden behind walls and underground.
We use specialist equipment to locate leaks in a non-invasive way, and in most cases, we can find and fix the leak in one visit.
Our methods of leak detection
Thermal imaging
Using specialist thermal imaging equipment, we can locate leaks by detecting differences in temperature. If we suspect a leak behind a wall, for example, our thermal imaging cameras can detect subtle temperature differences that will lead us to the source of the leak.
Acoustic testing
The pressure of water escaping through the hole in a pipe creates a vibration that can be detected using specialist acoustic testing equipment. Our engineers can use this kit to pinpoint the vibrations and locate the source of your leak without taking up your floor.
Tracer gas
This method uses a non-toxic, non-flammable gas made up of hydrogen and nitrogen. Unlike water, which spreads outwards, tracer gas rises and can permeate most materials. Detection of this gas above ground is a precise way of pinpointing the leak’s source directly below it.
Leak detection specialists in Kent
Low water pressure, damp or discoloured patches on your walls, floors, and ceilings, and a musty smell are all signs of a leak. If your water bill is going up and there’s no obvious reason for it, you may have a leak somewhere in your system.
Our plumbing and heating engineers have the expertise and the equipment to locate your leak efficiently using non-invasive methods. In other words, we aren’t going to dig up your floors and knock down walls.
We cover the major towns in Kent and many of the outlying areas. Call our friendly team to find out if we cover your area.
Need some help?
Call our our team today
01622 749 700
Frequently asked questions
If you still have questions about leak detection, you may find the answer you’re looking for in our FAQs. If you’re still unsure of something, call our friendly team, and we’ll do our best to help using our combined experience.
How much does leak detection cost? (UK)
Leak detection typically starts from £500, which covers up to four hours of a plumber’s time to find and fix the leak. We’ll keep you updated on our progress as we go, and we’ll let you know if we think it will take longer.
How do I know if my pipe is leaking under the floor?
Damp patches are the most obvious sign of an underfloor leak, as are discoloured carpets, and warped or cracked tiles and laminate. You might also notice a musty smell which can be a sign of mildew or mould.
Lastly pay attention to your water bill. A sudden and unexpected rise in your bill is a strong indicator of a leak.
How do plumbers find leaks?
There are lots of methods for leak detection but the three most common are thermal imaging, acoustic testing, and tracer gas (covered earlier on this page).
Which method is best for leak detection?
The best method for detecting leaks is determined by the materials that separate the leak from the plumber. The further the leak is buried under ground, the more robust the leak detection methods have to be.
Our plumbers have the skills and the experience to pick the right method for the job. They’ll assess the rough location of the leak and make a judgement based on what they know.
What gas is used for leak detection?
One way of finding an undetected leak is to use a type of gas known as ‘tracer gas’. It’s a non-flammable, non-toxic mix of hydrogen and nitrogen. Importantly, this gas has been certified safe to use in drinking water supply pipes.
Our engineers are always happy to explain what they’re doing. If you’ve got any questions about the equipment and methods they’re using, don’t hesitate to ask them.
