Non-Destructive Investigation
Technology is used before unnecessary access work is recommended.
Leak Detection Technology
Professional Leak Detection Technology
Hidden leaks do not all behave in the same way, so the investigation method is chosen around the evidence at the property.
Engineers assess the symptoms, property construction, likely leak location and access constraints before selecting the most appropriate technology. Several methods may be combined during one investigation, but not every survey needs every tool.
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- Evidence-Led
- Insurance Support
- Residential & Commercial
Multiple Diagnostic Methods
Different leak types require different investigation techniques.
Evidence-Led Reporting
Findings can be documented with photographs and method notes.
Residential & Commercial
Equipment is selected according to the property, system and symptoms.
Start Here
Not Sure Which Technology You Need?
Customers do not need to choose the investigation method themselves. Engineers select the most appropriate technology after assessing the symptoms, property construction and likely leak location.
Heat & Temperature
Useful when symptoms may relate to hot water pipework, heating circuits or underfloor heating.
Underground & External Water
Often considered for suspected mains supply leaks, buried pipework and external water movement.
Moisture Investigation
Used to understand where water has travelled and whether a bathroom, waste or damp issue is likely.
Pipework & Confirmation
Supports checks on sealed pipework, heating circuits, voids and difficult-to-access areas.
Pressure Testing Endoscopic Camera
Method Selection
How We Choose The Right Technology
No single leak detection method is suitable for every investigation. A hot water leak below a tiled floor behaves differently from a mains supply leak outside the property or a slow leak behind a wall.
Engineers assess the evidence first: visible symptoms, pressure behaviour, moisture patterns, pipe routes, construction type and available access points. That assessment determines which equipment is likely to provide useful evidence.
Multiple methods may be combined where appropriate, but the objective remains the same: build evidence around the most likely source while keeping the investigation as non-destructive as possible.
Technology Grid
Our Investigation Methods
Thermal Imaging
Thermal imaging helps identify temperature patterns linked to hot water pipework, heating leaks, damp areas and abnormal heat loss.
- Maps heat patterns
- Supports UFH surveys
- Useful before access work
Tracer Gas
Tracer gas can be introduced into suitable pipework to help detect concealed leaks that are difficult to locate visually.
- Useful for buried pipework
- Supports mains leak detection
- Targets difficult leaks
Acoustic Detection
Acoustic equipment listens for leak noise in pipework, helping identify likely leak locations without opening up first.
- Useful on pressurised pipes
- Supports external surveys
- Helps narrow leak areas
Moisture Mapping
Moisture mapping helps show where water has travelled through materials, supporting diagnosis and repair planning.
- Tracks water movement
- Supports insurance evidence
- Identifies affected areas
Supporting Methods
Additional Investigation Techniques
Endoscopic Camera Inspection
Small inspection cameras are used to visually check concealed voids, pipe routes and difficult-to-access areas before opening up.
Dye Testing
Coloured test dye can help confirm water paths, waste leaks, bathroom leaks and suspected escape routes.
Pressure Testing
Controlled pressure testing helps identify whether sealed pipework or heating circuits are losing pressure.
Investigation Journey
How A Typical Investigation Works
Every property is different, but most leak detection surveys follow a clear process from symptoms through to evidence-led findings that can guide the next action.
Review the symptoms
The engineer starts with what you have noticed, such as pressure loss, damp patches, water meter movement or staining.
Assess the property
Construction type, pipe routes, access points, heating systems and likely leak locations are considered before testing begins.
Select the investigation methods
The most suitable technologies are chosen based on the evidence, rather than applying the same method to every property.
Locate the leak
Findings are cross-checked where appropriate so the likely leak source can be narrowed down with greater confidence.
Plan the repair
Accurate findings help the appropriate repair work be carried out with confidence and reduce unnecessary access work.
Comparison
When Each Method Is Used
Thermal Imaging
Hot water pipework, underfloor heating, heating leaks and temperature changes.
Tracer Gas
Concealed pipework, mains supply leaks and leaks that do not show clearly on thermal imaging.
Acoustic Detection
Pressurised water pipes, external pipework and leak noise correlation.
Moisture Mapping
Damp patches, water staining, affected materials and evidence of water movement.
Endoscopic Camera Inspection
Concealed voids, pipe routes and difficult-to-access areas that need visual inspection before opening up.
Dye Testing
Waste leaks, bathroom leaks, water paths and suspected escape routes where flow needs confirmation.
Pressure Testing
Sealed pipework, heating circuits and systems where pressure loss needs to be confirmed.
Related Services
Services That Use These Methods
01
Trace & Access
Leak tracing and access evidence for concealed pipework and insurance claim requirements.
02
Insurance Leak Investigation
Evidence-led leak reports prepared for insurer, loss assessor and claim requirements.
03
Underfloor Heating Leak Detection
Specialist investigation for UFH pipework, pressure loss and damp floor symptoms.
04
Water Leak Detection
Structured investigation for hidden leaks in pipework, floors, walls and ceilings.
09
Damp Investigation
Damp surveys and moisture mapping for water ingress and hidden leak symptoms.
10
Waste Pipe Leak Detection
Investigation for hidden waste pipe, soil pipe and foul water leak symptoms.
FAQs
Leak Detection Technology FAQs
Which leak detection technology is most accurate?
Accuracy depends on the system, symptoms and property construction. The best result usually comes from combining methods rather than relying on one tool.
Can thermal imaging find every leak?
No. Thermal imaging is useful for heat patterns and some damp areas, but it may not identify cold water leaks, slow leaks or leaks hidden behind certain materials without other tests.
Is tracer gas safe for leak detection?
Tracer gas methods use a safe test gas mixture where the pipework and system conditions are suitable. The engineer will assess whether it is appropriate for the investigation.
Does acoustic detection work on all pipes?
Acoustic detection is most useful where leak noise can travel through pressurised pipework. Some materials, depths and building conditions may reduce effectiveness.
Why is moisture mapping used?
Moisture mapping helps show how water has moved through walls, floors or ceilings, which can support diagnosis, access planning and insurance evidence.
Get Expert Help
Request A Leak Detection Survey
Tell us the symptoms, property type and systems affected so a specialist can advise the right investigation.
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