5.0 Rated on Google · Checkatrade Approved · Specialist Leak Detection
Leak Detection London
Find the source of a hidden water leak while minimising unnecessary damage to your property. Absolute Plumbing Limited uses specialist diagnostic equipment to investigate leaks behind walls, beneath floors, in heating systems and underground pipework.
✓ 10+ years’ plumbing and leak-detection experience
✓ Specialist non-invasive diagnostic equipment
✓ Residential and commercial properties
✓ Clear findings and quotations before repairs begin
Signs You May Have a Water Leak
A hidden leak is not always obvious at first. You may notice a change in your water usage, pressure or heating system before you see visible water damage.
Common warning signs include:
- An unexplained increase in your water bill
- Damp patches, staining or mould on walls or ceilings
- Warm areas beneath floors
- The sound of running or hissing water when nothing is in use
- Boiler or heating pressure that keeps dropping
- Reduced water pressure from taps or showers
- A water meter that continues moving when all outlets are turned off
- Musty smells or flooring that has started to lift, warp or feel damp
Ignoring these signs can allow the leak to cause further damage to plaster, flooring, cabinets or nearby pipework. A professional investigation can help locate the source before the problem becomes more disruptive or expensive to repair.
How Our Leak Detection Investigation Works
Hidden leaks can be difficult to locate because the visible damp or water damage is not always directly above the source. We follow a methodical process to narrow down where the water is escaping while avoiding unnecessary disruption wherever possible.
1. Show us what you have noticed
Tell us what has made you suspect a leak and show us any damp, staining, pressure loss or other warning signs.
2. We inspect the area
We assess the affected area and choose the most appropriate leak detection method for the situation.
3. We explain what we find
Once we have located the likely source, we talk you through the findings and explain what needs to be done.
4. We quote for the repair
We provide a clear quotation for any access or repair work required. You can then decide how you would like to proceed.
How We Find Your Leak
When we are called out for leak detection in London, we first assess the situation and decide which method is most appropriate for the property and the signs you have noticed. Our team may use one or more leak detection methods to accurately narrow down the source of the problem.
Thermal Imaging
Thermal imaging uses an infrared camera to show differences in temperature across a surface. These heat patterns can help indicate where hot water may be escaping from concealed pipework.
Our leak detection specialists use thermal imaging to investigate hidden leaks beneath floors, behind walls and above ceilings without immediately opening up the area. This helps us narrow down the likely source before deciding whether any access or repair work is needed.
Acoustic Leak Detection
Acoustic leak detection uses sensitive microphones to listen for the sound of water escaping from pressurised pipework.
Our team will move the acoustic water leak detector across the suspected area and compare the sound levels. As the device gets closer to the leak, the sound usually becomes stronger, helping us narrow down the likely source quickly and accurately.
Gas Seeking Machine
Tracer gas leak detection uses a safe hydrogen-based gas to help locate underground water leaks. The gas is introduced into the pipework and can escape through very small cracks or openings.
Our London leak detection specialists then use a sensitive gas detector to trace where it is escaping. Because the gas can move through materials such as soil, brickwork and asphalt, this method can help us narrow down the likely location of a hidden leak.
Water Leaks We Can Help With
Leak detection in London can involve anything from a slow leak beneath a bathroom floor to water escaping from heating pipes, underground pipework or a commercial plumbing system. We investigate a wide range of leaks, including:
1. Bathroom and Shower Leaks
We can investigate leaks around baths, showers, toilets, basins and concealed bathroom pipework. This includes water escaping behind tiles, beneath flooring or into the room below.
2. Leaking Pipes Behind Walls or Ceilings
A concealed pipe leak may cause damp patches, staining, peeling paint or water dripping through the ceiling. We use specialist leak detection equipment to narrow down the source before opening up the area.
3. Central Heating Leaks
Repeatedly dropping boiler pressure, damp near radiators or unexplained water loss may indicate a leak in the heating system. We can investigate visible and concealed heating pipework to find the affected area.
4. Underfloor and Underground Leaks
Leaks beneath floors, concrete slabs, paving or soil can be difficult to locate from the surface. Depending on the situation, we may use acoustic equipment, thermal imaging or tracer gas to narrow down where the water is escaping.
5. Kitchen and Appliance Leaks
We can investigate leaks beneath sinks and around dishwashers, washing machines, water filters and connected pipework. A slow leak may remain hidden inside a cupboard or behind an appliance until damage becomes visible.
6. Commercial Property Leaks
We provide leak detection for offices, shops, rental buildings and other commercial premises. Our team works to locate the source while minimising unnecessary disruption to the property and its occupants.
A Real Example of Leak Detection in London
The Problem
Mark was advised by Thames Water that an unusually high water bill could indicate a leak at his property. Because the source was not visible, he contacted Absolute Plumbing to investigate.
What We Did
Daniel from Absolute Plumbing Limited visited the property to investigate the suspected leak. He located the source of the problem and completed the necessary repair.
Mark was kept informed throughout, and the work was carried out carefully to minimise disruption to the property.
The Result
The leak was located and resolved promptly, addressing the cause of the unusually high water usage.
“The team were polite, clear and very responsive, with the leak located and resolved in a very timely manner. All works were carried out diligently and considerately to minimise disruption.”
Mark Smalley – 5-Star Google Review for this job
Leak Detection Specialists in South West London
Absolute Plumbing Limited is a local plumbing and drainage company with more than 10 years’ experience working in homes and commercial properties.
Our team combines practical plumbing knowledge with specialist leak detection equipment, so we can investigate the problem and carry out the repair where required. You are dealing with one company from the first visit through to completion.
1. Checkatrade Approved and Independently Vetted
Absolute Plumbing Limited has been independently vetted through Checkatrade, giving you added confidence in the company investigating your property.
2. Rated 5.0 on Google
Our customers regularly mention our professionalism, clear communication, punctuality and the care we take to minimise disruption.
3. Specialist Leak Detection Equipment
We use thermal imaging, acoustic detection and tracer gas where appropriate. The method is selected according to the suspected leak and the conditions at the property.
4. Detection and Repair Through One Team
Once the source has been located, we can explain the repair required and provide a clear quotation. You do not need to find a separate plumber to deal with the problem afterwards.
5. No Repair Work Without Your Approval
We explain what we have found and what needs to be done before any access or repair work begins. You remain in control of how you would like to proceed.
Need Leak Detection in London?
From unexplained water bills to damp patches and falling boiler pressure, our leak detection specialists can help locate the source and minimise further damage.
Contact Absolute Plumbing Limited for professional leak detection in London.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolute Plumbing Limited charges £145 + VAT per hour for specialist leak detection in London. The total cost depends on how long the investigation takes, how easy the suspected leak is to access and whether more than one detection method is needed.
Once the source has been found, any access or repair work will be explained and quoted separately before it begins.
Most leak detection investigations take between two and four hours and can usually be completed in a single visit. The exact time depends on the type of leak, the size and layout of the property, access to the pipework and how difficult the source is to locate.
Heating-system leaks, underground leaks and problems involving concealed pipework may take half a day or longer. Absolute Plumbing Limited will explain what has been found during the visit and let you know if further investigation is needed.
Yes. Absolute Plumbing Limited can usually repair the leak once the source has been located. The repair may be completed during the same visit when the damaged pipe is accessible and the required parts and time are available.
If the leak is concealed behind a wall, beneath a floor or underground, access work may be needed before the repair can be completed. We will explain what is required and provide a clear quotation before carrying out any additional work. This reflects how full-service leak-detection companies distinguish between locating the leak and the access or repair work that follows.
Leak detection itself is usually carried out without damaging your walls or floors. Absolute Plumbing Limited uses specialist equipment to narrow down the source before opening any part of the property, helping avoid unnecessary disruption.
Once the leak has been located, a small, targeted area may need to be opened to confirm the fault and complete the repair. We will explain what access is required and provide a quotation before any work begins.
In most cases, specialist leak detection can narrow down the source of a hidden leak accurately, but it is not always possible to confirm the exact damaged point without opening a small area. Different tests provide clues that help rule out other causes and reduce unnecessary damage.
Some leaks are harder to locate because they are very small, intermittent, deep underground or within complex pipework. Absolute Plumbing Limited may use more than one detection method and will explain how confident the findings are before recommending any access or repair work.
Trace and access is the process of locating a hidden water leak and opening the smallest practical area needed to confirm and reach it. Specialist methods such as thermal imaging, acoustic testing or tracer gas may first be used to narrow down the source and reduce unnecessary damage.
Once the leak has been exposed, Absolute Plumbing Limited can explain the repair required and provide a quotation. Some home insurance policies include trace-and-access cover, but the level of cover varies, so you should check your policy or speak to your insurer before work begins.
Home insurance may cover leak detection and water damage, but it depends on the wording of your UK buildings insurance policy. Many policies cover damage caused by an “escape of water”, while trace and access cover may pay for locating the leak, opening the property to reach it and making good the affected area.
The repair to the leaking pipe itself is often treated separately and may not be covered. Policies may also exclude gradual deterioration, poor maintenance or damage that developed over time. There is no UK law requiring every home insurance policy to provide the same cover; the insurer must apply the agreed policy terms and handle claims promptly and fairly under FCA rules.
Contact your insurer before authorising non-emergency leak detection or repair work, as it may require approval, evidence or a specific report. Absolute Plumbing Limited can explain what was found and provide the documentation available for the investigation.
Yes. A plumber with specialist leak detection equipment can locate many underground water leaks without immediately digging up the area. Depending on the pipework and suspected leak, methods may include acoustic detection, tracer gas and pressure testing.Yes. A plumber with specialist leak detection equipment can locate many underground water leaks without immediately digging up the area. Depending on the pipework and suspected leak, methods may include acoustic detection, tracer gas and pressure testing.
Absolute Plumbing Limited will first assess the property and choose the most suitable method. Once the likely source has been narrowed down, we will explain whether targeted access or excavation is needed to confirm and repair the damaged pipe.
Yes. A hidden leak can often be detected before damp patches or other visible damage appear. Warning signs may include an unexplained rise in water use, a water meter that continues moving when all outlets are off, falling boiler pressure, reduced water pressure or the sound of running water.
Absolute Plumbing Limited can use specialist tests to investigate where water may be escaping behind walls, beneath floors or underground. Finding the leak early can help limit water waste and reduce the risk of damage developing later.
If water is actively leaking, turn off the supply using your internal stop valve to limit further damage. Move furniture and belongings away from the affected area, place containers or towels beneath any dripping water and avoid using the suspected plumbing fixture or heating system. Thames Water advises using the internal stop valve when there is a leak in the home.
Do not open walls, lift flooring or attempt repairs that could make the leak harder to trace. Take photographs of any visible damage and note when the problem started, changes in boiler pressure or water usage, and anything else unusual. This information can help Absolute Plumbing Limited assess the problem more efficiently.
If water is close to electrical fittings, do not touch the affected area or electrical equipment. Turn off the electricity only if it is safe to do so and seek urgent professional help.