National Plumbing logo with red and blue text, tagline reads Plumbing and Heating Solutions
Leak Detection

Leak Detection Across Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire and North London

Hidden water leaks waste water and cause serious damage to your property. Our qualified plumbers use advanced leak detection equipment to find and locate leaks across Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire and North London.

How We Detect Hidden Leaks

We use multiple techniques to find leaks without unnecessary damage to your property.

Acoustic Leak Detection

We use sensitive listening equipment to hear the sound of water escaping from pipes underground, in walls, under concrete floors and in ceiling voids. Precise and non destructive.

Thermal Imaging

Infrared thermal cameras detect temperature differences caused by leaking water. Cold water leaks show as cool spots on warm surfaces. Particularly effective for underfloor heating leaks and hidden pipe leaks.

Tracer Gas Detection

A safe inert tracer gas is introduced into the pipework and we use a sensitive gas detector to find exactly where it escapes. Ideal for finding leaks in inaccessible pipe runs and underground supplies.

Dye Testing

Harmless coloured dye is added to toilet cisterns, drains and pipework to trace the path of water and identify exactly where a leak is occurring. Simple and effective for visible plumbing systems.

Pressure Testing

We pressurise sections of pipework with water or air and monitor the pressure gauge for drops. A falling pressure reading confirms there is a leak and helps us isolate which section of pipework is affected.

Endoscopic Inspection

A small camera on a flexible cable is inserted into pipework, wall cavities and under floors to visually inspect hard to reach areas for leaks, corrosion and damage without opening up walls or floors.

Leaks We Detect and Locate

Central heating system leaks inside pipework and radiators
Underfloor heating pipe leaks in screeded and suspended floors
Mains water supply leaks between the street and your property
Underground pipe leaks in gardens, driveways and under buildings
Hidden pipe leaks inside walls, ceiling voids and under floorboards
Bathroom and shower leaks behind tiles and waterproofing
Cold water storage tank leaks in lofts and airing cupboards
Hot water cylinder and unvented cylinder leaks

Why Choose Us for Leak Detection

Non Destructive Methods

We find leaks without ripping up floors and knocking holes in walls. Our detection equipment locates the leak precisely so only minimal access is needed for the repair.

Fast Detection

Most leaks are located within an hour or two. We arrive with the right equipment, diagnose systematically and find the source quickly.

Leak Reports Provided

We give you a clear report showing where the leak was found, what caused it and what needs doing to repair it. Useful for insurance claims.

Local Across Four Counties

Our leak detection engineers cover Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire and North London.

Areas We Cover

Leak Detection Near You

Our leak detection engineers cover homes and businesses across four counties.

Leak Detection FAQs

Common questions about leak detection

What are the signs of a hidden water leak?

Common signs include an unexplained high water bill, a water meter that turns when no water is being used, damp patches on walls or ceilings, musty smells, reduced water pressure, the sound of running water when taps are off and warm spots on concrete floors.

How do you find a leak without damaging walls or floors?

We use acoustic listening devices, thermal imaging cameras and tracer gas to pinpoint the leak location precisely. This means we only need to open up a very small area to access the pipe for repair instead of ripping out whole walls or floors.

How long does leak detection take?

Most leaks are located within one to two hours. Complex leaks in large properties or underground mains supplies may take longer. We will give you an estimate after an initial assessment.

Can you detect leaks under concrete floors?

Yes. We use thermal imaging and acoustic detection to find leaks under concrete and screeded floors. The equipment can hear and see the leak through the floor without needing to break it up.

Do you repair the leak after finding it?

Yes. Once the leak is located we can repair it straight away in most cases. We carry common pipe fittings, repair couplings and materials on the van. If it is a major repair we will give you a quote before starting.

Will my insurance cover leak detection?

Most home insurance policies cover trace and access for hidden leaks. We provide a written report you can submit to your insurer. Check your policy wording for trace and access cover.

Helpful reading

Is your boiler keeping losing pressure? Read our guide: what causes a boiler that keeps losing pressure and what to do first.

Book a Leak Detection Inspection

Tell us about your leak and we will find it fast.

Prefer to call? 0330 043 3748