Water Leak Detection

Finding a leak is often harder than fixing it. Water travels along pipe runs and surfaces metres from the actual failure — so accurate detection is what separates one small hole in the ground from a trail of exploratory trenches.

Specialist contractors use acoustic listening, tracer gas, thermal imaging and correlation to pinpoint leaks on supply pipes and mains — often to within a spade's width.

Post your water leak detection job — free

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What the work involves

• Acoustic survey with ground microphones along the route
• Tracer gas injection for plastic pipes and quiet leaks
• Thermal imaging and moisture profiling where relevant
• A marked dig location and a written findings report

When you need it

• The meter runs with everything off
• A damp patch, warm spot or sinkhole with no obvious source
• The water company says the loss is on your side
• You need evidence for an insurance trace-and-access claim

Water Leak Detection — common questions

How accurate is leak detection?

On a traceable route a good engineer will usually mark within 0.5m — the difference between one small hole and a series of exploratory excavations.

Does it work on plastic pipes?

Yes — plastic transmits little sound, so tracer gas (harmless hydrogen mix that rises through soil) does what microphones can't.

Is detection included in a repair quote?

Sometimes bundled, sometimes separate. WaterTrust contractors show pricing up front, so you'll see exactly how yours quotes it.

Ready to get quotes?

Post the job free — approved contractors across the UK see it straight away.