Quick answer
Professional water leak detection employs advanced, non-invasive techniques to accurately locate hidden leaks within your property, minimising disruption. Experts use a combination of specialised tools: acoustic leak detectors amplify the faint sounds of escaping water, while thermal imaging cameras identify temperature changes caused by hidden moisture. Moisture meters pinpoint damp areas, and in complex cases, tracer gas is introduced into pipes, with sensitive detectors tracing its escape. This systematic approach ensures precise leak identification without destructive methods, ultimately saving time, money, and preventing further property damage.
Hidden leaks in UK property
A 2023 report by Affinity Water revealed that an alarming 68% of UK households have experienced a water leak, collectively resulting in an estimated £697 million in wasted water bills annually. This highlights the extensive and costly impact of water leakage across the nation. Despite efforts to address the issue, experts predict that significant improvements are unlikely before 2025, emphasising the importance of proactive leak detection and prevention measures for homeowners and businesses alike.
Leak detection tools and techniques are used to locate the source of a suspected water leak within a property. Signs of a water leak can be difficult to identify, and even more difficult to trace back to the source. The specially designed leak detection equipment makes the task possible.
In this blog we will break down how a leak detection service works, the tools that can be used during the service and the techniques that help leak detection specialists locate the escape of water. In addition to this we will also highlight the many reasons why you should look to hire a professional leak detection service provider rather than attempt to either perform DIY leak detection or pay for a general builder to find your leak.
There are several distinct types of leaks, all of which can require a different piece of equipment to accurately detect. The types of leaks include:
- Plumbing leaks
- Roof leaks
- Central heating leaks
- Appliance leaks
- Underground and exterior leaks
Tools used in professional leak detection
Tools have been carefully designed and perfected over many years to detect leaks with increasing accuracy and minimal disruption. Specialists and service providers often use a multi-faceted approach for leak detection. Using a combination of proven tools and techniques to provide you with multiple points of proof. In this section we will provide details on the types of tools used and how they work:
- Acoustic leak detectors
- Thermal imaging cameras
- Moisture meters
- Tracer gas
Acoustic leak detectors
Often when it comes to water leaks, the visual signs of the leak do not appear directly where the escape of water is. One of the best and most efficient ways of detecting leaks is through an acoustic detector. This complex piece of equipment uses sound waves to detect the faint sounds of the water escaping your pipes. It amplifies the sound, enabling a leak detection specialist to carefully pinpoint the precise location of the leak.
Thermal imaging cameras
This tool is an excellent choice when it comes to leak detection. Thermal imaging cameras detect temperature differences and create an accurate real-time video. Water leaks often cause a significant difference in temperature, making them visible by thermal imaging cameras. In some instances, this also helps when identifying the type of pipe that is leaking. A mass of warm water would suggest the leak is located on a hot water pipe and a mass could indicate the opposite.
Many leak detection specialists use thermal imaging cameras for a process called moisture mapping. Moisture mapping using a thermal imaging camera is not a direct method of detecting moisture itself. Instead, it indirectly identifies areas of potential moisture problems by detecting temperature differences. Water, being a good conductor of heat, will cause a temperature difference in surrounding materials compared to dry areas. The camera does not “see” the water, but rather the effects of the water’s presence on the surrounding thermal profile.
Moisture meters
Moisture meters are a great tool to be used in combination with other pieces of equipment. The moisture meter can accurately measure the level of dampness in a surface but won’t be able to provide a pinpoint area for the leak. In many cases during a leak detection service, a specialist will start with a moisture meter to locate the general area of the leak. This tool can also be used to create an in-depth moisture report for the customer, highlighting all the areas affected by damp.
Moisture meters can help identify areas of concern even when there is no visible indication of damp or a leak. Although it will not detect a leak on its own, this tool is essential for most leak detection specialists and property surveyors.
Tracer gas
Tracer gas tools utilise a safe mixture of easily detectable gases. The gas is forced through your pipes and if there is indeed a leak, the gas will escape. It is easily detectable and will provide pinpoint accuracy on the location of the leak. The harmless gas, accuracy and ease of use makes it one of the most common leak detection tools used by professionals.
DIY leak detection vs. professional services
Property owners can take steps to detect leaks, having a clear understanding of the signs is a good place to start. Taking care to track water bills and water pressure are two easy ways that you can detect an issue. Keeping an eye out for the visual signs is another way that a property owner can do leak detection on their own. But it is important to understand that this DIY approach will only give you a general idea that you have a leak and where it may possibly be located.
A professional leak detection service provides unparalleled accuracy and confirmation of where the leak is located. The advanced leak detection tools and industry knowledge that a leak detection expert has will benefit you and your property. The benefits of hiring a professional service provider are:
- Minimal disruption to your property
- Comprehensive reports and recommendations
- Detection of hard-to-reach leaks
Although the upfront costs are higher by paying for a professional service provider, in the long term it is actually the cheapest option. There are multiple benefits that come from hiring a leak detection specialist. Being able to quickly locate and deal with a leak helps to:
- Reduce costs: You will reduce the amount of water damage and secondary damage by quickly locating and dealing with the leak.
- Conserve water: Minimising the amount of water lost through the escape of water will also reduce utility bills.
- Protecting health: Quickly dealing with a leak also decreases the risk to your health and to your property. Avoiding mould and fungal growth caused by excessive moisture will improve the air quality and reduce the risk of respiratory illness and health issues.
In summary
Although different leak detection methods share the goal of identifying and addressing water leaks, they vary significantly in complexity and application. Advanced techniques like thermal imaging and acoustic sensors provide comprehensive diagnostics for hidden or challenging leaks, while simpler methods may be sufficient for visible or surface-level issues. Choosing the right approach depends on the scope and specifics of the problem.
If water damage or suspected leaks are affecting your property, it’s essential to act quickly. Trust a company that combines expertise with cutting-edge technology to ensure accurate detection and minimal disruption. Contact the Ideal Response team today for professional support and solutions tailored to your needs.
How leak detection works: Frequently asked questions
How do professionals find hidden water leaks without damaging property?
Professionals find hidden water leaks without damaging property by using specialised, non-invasive techniques. They employ tools like acoustic leak detectors to “listen” for escaping water, thermal imaging cameras to detect temperature changes caused by moisture, moisture meters to map dampness, and sometimes tracer gas with sensitive detectors to pinpoint the exact leak location without destructive excavation.
What tools do leak detection specialists use to find leaks?
Leak detection specialists use a range of advanced tools including acoustic leak detectors (ground microphones and listening discs) to amplify sounds of escaping water, thermal imaging cameras to visualise temperature anomalies caused by hidden moisture, moisture meters to measure dampness in materials, and tracer gas equipment for highly accurate detection of elusive leaks.
How does acoustic leak detection work to find leaks?
Acoustic leak detection works by using highly sensitive microphones to amplify the distinct sounds of water escaping from pipes under pressure. These devices are placed on surfaces (like walls, floors, or the ground above pipes), allowing technicians to listen for specific noise patterns (hissing, dripping, gurgling) that pinpoint the precise location of a hidden leak, even through solid materials.
Can thermal imaging cameras detect water leaks behind walls or under floors?
Yes, thermal imaging cameras can effectively detect water leaks behind walls or under floors. These cameras visualise infrared energy (heat) emitted by objects. Leaking hot or cold water will cause a temperature difference in the surrounding building materials, creating a thermal signature that the camera can identify, allowing for non-invasive detection of hidden moisture.
What is tracer gas leak detection used for in finding water leaks?
Tracer gas leak detection is primarily used for finding very small, complex, or hard-to-locate water leaks, especially in pipes buried underground or embedded within structures where other methods might struggle. A safe, inert mixture of hydrogen and nitrogen gas is introduced into the suspected pipe, and a highly sensitive sensor detects where the gas escapes through the leak point.
Why should I hire a professional for leak detection instead of attempting DIY?
You should hire a professional for leak detection because they possess specialised equipment and expertise that DIY methods lack. Professionals can accurately pinpoint hidden leaks non-invasively, preventing costly and unnecessary property damage from trial-and-error demolition. Their precise methods save time, money, and ensure the leak is resolved effectively, preventing secondary issues like mould.
What are the main benefits of non-invasive water leak detection?
The main benefits of non-invasive water leak detection are minimal disruption to your property, as it avoids destructive digging or tearing down walls. It provides highly accurate results, pinpointing leaks precisely. This approach ultimately saves time and money on repairs by reducing the scope of work needed, and significantly prevents further water damage and mould growth.
Dave Knight - Leak Detection Technical Manager
With over 26 years' experience in property damage restoration, our Leak Detection Technical Manager is a seasoned expert. He brings a specialised focus of 21 years in leak detection and trace & access claims, including 10 years as the owner of a specialist leak detection company. He uses advanced, non-invasive technology to find leaks with minimal disruption in both domestic and commercial settings. His extensive water leak detection qualifications, including WRAS and BDMA, and his experience leading projects across the UK and Europe, highlight his expertise.
