Can’t find your water leak? What to do next

“I can’t find my leak” is a useful starting point, not a reason to delay an enquiry. Describe the growing damp patch, the dropping boiler pressure, the unexpected water bill or the sound of running water. These are different clues. A ceiling stain tells you where water became visible; a meter reading tells you about recorded consumption. Neither, on its own, identifies a damaged pipe. You do not need to diagnose the fault before asking for help.

If you already have photographs, earlier readings or a plumber’s report, keep them together. Note when the problem first appeared and whether it changes after heating, showering, using an appliance or rainfall. Mention a recent bathroom, kitchen or flooring alteration. An intermittent problem may not be visible during the appointment, so an ordinary description of its timing can be more useful than a single photograph. There is no need to carry out new tests just to prepare for an enquiry.

A falling gauge on a sealed heating system is different from weak flow at a tap or an unusually high metered bill. A boiler component, visible fitting or concealed heating pipe can contribute to pressure loss. A supply investigation instead considers the incoming line and domestic pipework. Share any findings from a suitable boiler or plumbing engineer so the next investigation can build on checks already completed. Do not remove appliance covers or repeatedly alter controls to try to locate the fault.

The engineer selects methods that can test the suspected system and route. Pressure checks can help narrow the affected circuit; acoustic listening may support a pressurised supply investigation; thermal imaging, moisture observations or tracer gas may contribute in suitable conditions. No single instrument proves every leak. Results need to agree with the pipe layout and symptoms before opening a floor or wall is proposed. You do not have to choose the equipment yourself.

Water can travel through a void or along a pipe before it becomes visible. Opening directly behind a stain may miss the source and create an extra area to reinstate. Tell the engineer about fragile finishes, shared pipework and restricted access so those constraints can be considered. Keep clear of unsafe ceilings or water close to electricity, and seek urgent appropriate help for an immediate hazard; this website is not an emergency response service.

For an agreed residential job, Flow Tracker’s £1,350 package includes investigation, detection, required access or excavation, plumbing repair, parts, materials, suitable testing and a Trace & Access report. Plumbing repair workmanship has a 12-month warranty. Decorative and remedial reinstatement is separate. The £100 deposit is requested only after the appointment is agreed and is deducted from the total. Send the postcode and symptoms first; a commercial instruction needs its own quotation.

Describe where the damage first appeared and whether it changes after heating, bathing or rainfall. Photos you already have may help. There is no need to lift floors in preparation.

Hidden leak detection

Investigate water escaping behind walls, below floors and within voids.

Check your area or tell us what you have noticed.