Plumbing service
Leak detection: finding a hidden leak without ripping up the floor
Leak detection finds a hidden water leak (under a floor, in a wall or in a heating circuit) using acoustic, thermal and tracer methods, so the repair is targeted rather than destructive. The signs are unexplained damp, a dropping boiler pressure or a rising water bill. Sorted Property matches you to a vetted specialist, not a dozen cold callers.
Need this done? We match you to a small number of vetted local trades who hold the right accreditation, never a dozen cold-callers. Free for homeowners.
Get matchedSigns you have a hidden leak
- Unexplained damp patches on a floor, wall or ceiling.
- Boiler pressure dropping repeatedly with no visible leak.
- A water bill rising with no change in use.
- A warm patch on the floor over a leaking heating pipe.
- The sound of running water when nothing is on.
How professional leak detection works
A specialist uses non-destructive methods first: acoustic listening equipment, thermal imaging, moisture meters and tracer gas or dye. The aim is to pinpoint the leak so the repair opens up the smallest possible area, rather than lifting a whole floor on guesswork.
Once located, the specialist either repairs it or hands a precise location to your plumber. Many home insurers cover "trace and access", so keep the report for a claim.
What it costs
- Leak detection survey
- Get a quote Non-destructive methods to pinpoint the leak before any opening up.
- Trace and access
- Often insured Many home insurance policies cover the cost of finding and accessing a hidden leak. Check yours.
How to choose a vetted trade
- Use a specialist with non-destructive detection equipment, not a plumber who only opens up to look.
- Ask for a written report with the leak location, which supports a "trace and access" insurance claim.
- For any gas-related leak, the engineer must be Gas Safe registered.
Frequently asked questions
How do you find a leak without damaging the house?
A leak detection specialist uses non-destructive methods first: acoustic listening gear, thermal imaging, moisture meters and tracer gas or dye. These pinpoint the leak so the repair opens the smallest possible area, instead of lifting a whole floor on guesswork. It is faster and far less destructive.
Does insurance cover leak detection?
Often, yes. Many home insurance policies include "trace and access", which covers the cost of finding and getting to a hidden leak. Keep the specialist written report with the leak location, as your insurer will usually want it to process the claim.
What are the signs of a hidden water leak?
Unexplained damp patches, boiler pressure dropping with no visible cause, a water bill rising with no change in use, a warm patch on the floor over a heating pipe, or the sound of running water when nothing is on. Any of these is worth a leak detection survey.
Sources
Editor, Sorted Property
Oliver leads Sorted Property's editorial coverage of UK home services. He researches and writes the plain-English guides that help homeowners choose between installers and trades, drawing on the standards set by bodies such as MCS, TrustMark, the Energy Saving Trust and the Property Care Association, and is clear about what to check before any work starts.
Last reviewed: 11 June 2026