How do you find a hidden leak without damaging my property?

We use non-invasive methods: thermal imaging to see temperature differences, acoustic detection to hear escaping water, tracer gas to pinpoint pipes under floors, and moisture mapping to follow the spread.

Will my insurance pay for leak detection?

Many buildings policies include 'trace and access' cover for finding a leak and the damage caused getting to it. Check your policy, and keep our findings report for your claim

Can you find leaks in underfloor heating

Yes. Thermal imaging and pressure testing can locate leaks in underfloor heating pipes.

What happens after you find the leak?

You receive a findings report. The leak is then repaired, and if water has spread we can dry and clean the property.

Do you trace leaks in roofs and walls?

Yes, including flat roofs and water coming through walls, using moisture mapping and, where suitable, tracer methods.

Leak Detection & Trace and Access

Finding the leak without unnecessary damage

What it is: Locating the source of a hidden water leak with non-invasive equipment, before any floors or walls are opened
Examples: Mains and supply pipes, heating and underfloor heating, bathrooms, flat roofs and external water ingress
Typical time: Most domestic leak searches take half a day to a day. Commercial leak detection is often longer depending on size of site
Paperwork: A written findings report with photographs, for your insurer and plumber
Not included: Building repairs and reinstatement

Types of leak we trace

TYPE OF LEAK	WHERE IS IT OFTEN FOUND	USUAL METHOD
Mains and supply pipe leaks	Under floors, in walls, outside	Acoustic detection, tracer gas
Heating and boiler leaks	Radiator pipework, boilers	Thermal imaging, pressure testing
Underfloor heating leaks	Within screed	Thermal imaging
Bathroom and shower leaks	Seals, wastes and trays	Moisture mapping, visual inspection
Roof and external ingress	Flat roofs, walls, windows	Moisture mapping, tracer methods

When to call us

Your water bill has risen for no clear reason

The boiler keeps losing pressure

Damp patches, stains or mould appear with no visible cause

A ceiling is stained below a bathroom or flat roof

Your insurer has asked for a leak to be traced before a claim proceeds

Leaks in the UK: the numbers

46.4 litres are lost per person every day before reaching a tap in England (Ofwat).

43%of domestic properties in the UK have suffered water leaks (Go.Compare).

30%of water lost via internal hidden leaks in businesses (Commercial Smart Meter Flow Assessments).

£2,638 average insurance claim cost for 'escape of water' (Association of British Insurers).

How we carry out leak detection

Step 1Gather the evidenceHistory, water bills, boiler pressure readings and where damage appears to narrow the search area. If you send photos with your enquiry, that helps our specialists.

Step 2Confirm the leakPressure testing and meter checks confirm a system is losing water before searching.

Step 3Survey non-invasivelyThermal imaging, acoustic detection and moisture mapping follow the water back to its source.

Step 4PinpointTracer gas or targeted testing locates the leak precisely, so any opening up is as small as possible.

Step 5ReportThe location, method and evidence are recorded in a findings report.

Equipment we use

Thermal imaging cameras

See temperature differences where water escapes

Acoustic leak detectors

Hear water escaping from pressurised pipes

Tracer gas equipment

Pinpoint leaks under solid floors and outside

Moisture meters

Map how far water has spread

Pressure testing kit

Confirm and measure pressure loss

Inspection cameras

Look inside voids with minimal disruption

Leak detection methods compared

We choose the method to suit the system and the building, often combining two or more.

METHOD	HOW IT WORKS	BEST FOR
Thermal imaging	Shows temperature differences where warm or cold water escapes	Heating pipes, underfloor heating, hot water
Acoustic detection	Listen for the sound of water escaping under pressure	Mains and supply pipes
Tracer gas	A safe gas is pushed through the pipe and detected where it escapes	Pipes under solid floors and outside
Moisture mapping	Measures moisture to follow water back to its source	Walls, floors and roofs
Pressure testing	Shows whether a system is losing pressure	Confirming a leak on heating or supply systems

Trace and access: what your insurer may cover

Many buildings insurance policies include 'trace and access' cover: the cost of finding a hidden leak and of gaining access to it, sometimes with a limit. Cover and limits vary, so check your policy. Our findings report gives your insurer the evidence it needs.

Why choose Ideal Response for leak detection

Accredited specialists

BDMA and IICRC accredited water damage specialists, so finding the leak and drying the property sit with one team.

Non-invasive first

Thermal imaging, acoustic detection and tracer gas before anything is opened up.

Paperwork that stands up

A findings report with photographs, ready for a trace and access claim.

One call, start to finish

Leak traced, then the property dried and cleaned if water has spread.

Standards we work to

BDMA practice guidance, IICRC, Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999

Typical timescales

Situation	Typical time on site
Domestic supply or heating leak	Half a day to a day
Underfloor heating	Half a day to a day
Commercial or complex systems	Planned after initial assessment

Where our work stops: We locate the leak and can dry and clean the property afterwards. We currently do not carry out building repairs or reinstatement.

How much does leak detection cost?

Leak detection is priced by the property and the type of system being tested. You receive a fixed quote before the visit.

COST FACTOR	WHY IT MATTERS
Type of system	Supply pipes, heating, underfloor heating, or roofs need different methods
Size and access	Larger buildings and restricted access take longer
Methods needed	Tracer gas or pressure testing adds time
Report	A written findings report for your insurer is included

Recent leak detection projects

The flooded basement within a London property along with a thermal image of where water is entering.

Tracing foul water ingress into a London cellar

Location

London

Duration

1 Day

Service

Leak Detection

Sector

Residential

Unexplained, foul-smelling water was collecting in the cellar of a London property. Ideal Response used systematic pipework checks, tracer dye and thermal imaging to trace the ingress to a damaged soil pipe at foundation level, giving the owner a clear diagnosis to arrange targeted repairs.

Read the Full Case Study

See all case studies

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