Leak Detection Technology
Investigation methods are selected around the symptoms, pipework, available access and evidence at the property. No single technology is suitable for every suspected leak, and several methods may be compared where appropriate.
Start With The Symptoms
Describe what you have noticed and the property or system involved. The investigation team can then select and combine methods that are appropriate for the available evidence rather than asking you to choose equipment.
A continuously moving meter can indicate water use that needs further checks, but it does not identify the source by itself.
Read relevant guidanceRepeated pressure loss may relate to several system faults, so the heating circuit and available evidence need to be assessed.
Read relevant guidanceMoisture can come from plumbing, rainwater, condensation or other sources and should be interpreted in context.
Read relevant guidanceWater around a bathroom may involve supply pipework, seals, fittings or waste connections rather than one assumed cause.
Read relevant guidanceCore Investigation Methods
Each method answers a different question. Engineers compare the useful evidence with the method's limitations before deciding what the findings mean.
Shows surface temperature differences that can help assess hot pipework, heating circuits and some moisture-related patterns.
May Help With
Limitation
Temperature patterns are not proof of a leak, and cold, slow or insulated leaks may not produce a clear thermal signature.
A detectable test-gas mixture can help narrow an escape point from suitable isolated pipework without opening broad areas first.
May Help With
Limitation
The pipework must be suitable for testing, and construction layers or gas movement can affect how findings are interpreted.
Sensitive listening equipment helps compare sounds produced by water escaping from pressurised pipework.
May Help With
Limitation
Pipe material, depth, background noise and the size of the escape can all reduce the usefulness of acoustic evidence.
A sequence of moisture readings helps show the extent and direction of moisture through floors, walls or ceilings.
May Help With
Limitation
Moisture readings show where materials are affected but do not independently prove the source or cause of the water.
Supporting Methods
Small inspection cameras are used to visually check concealed voids, pipe routes and difficult-to-access areas before opening up.
Coloured test dye can help confirm water paths, waste leaks, bathroom leaks and suspected escape routes.
Explore Dye Testing
Controlled pressure testing helps identify whether sealed pipework or heating circuits are losing pressure.
Explore Pressure Testing
Method Selection
Selection starts with the property and evidence, not a preferred tool. The same symptom can require a different approach depending on the system, construction and access available.
Technology supports professional interpretation. A reading, sound or image is not automatically proof of a leak until it is considered with the wider investigation evidence.
Investigation Journey
The sequence is adapted to the property and findings. It does not guarantee that a leak will be confirmed, that all access can be avoided or that repair work is included.
The engineer reviews what has changed, when the symptom occurs and any checks already completed.
Accessible systems, valves, meters and likely routes are assessed where the property allows.
Testing is chosen around the system, construction and evidence rather than a fixed equipment list.
Results from different checks are considered together to distinguish useful evidence from unrelated readings.
The findings and limitations are explained so the appropriate repair or further action can be planned.
Published Evidence
These published investigations record the methods used, the evidence found and the outcome reported for each property.
Kingston, London
Recorded Methods
Tracer Gas, Moisture Mapping, Pressure Testing
Recorded Outcome
Lead supply pipe leak located and repaired in one visit.
View investigation
Camberley, Surrey
Recorded Methods
Thermal Imaging Camera, Moisture Meter, Acoustic Detection, Tracer Gas, Tracer Gas Sniffer
Recorded Outcome
Leak located and repair completed.
View investigation
Bracknell, Berkshire
Recorded Methods
Acoustic Detection, Tracer Gas
Recorded Outcome
Pinhole leak below screed confirmed.
View investigationFAQs
Accuracy depends on the system, symptoms and property construction. The most useful evidence often comes from comparing appropriate methods rather than relying on one tool.
No. Thermal imaging can reveal useful temperature patterns, but cold water leaks, slow leaks or pipework behind insulating materials may require other checks.
Tracer gas testing uses a suitable test-gas mixture where the pipework and system conditions allow. The engineer assesses whether the method is appropriate before testing.
No. It is most useful where sound can travel through pressurised pipework. Pipe material, depth, background noise and leak behaviour can reduce its effectiveness.
Moisture mapping helps show how far materials are affected and where water may have travelled. Those readings need to be interpreted alongside the property, symptoms and other investigation findings.
Discuss The Symptoms
Describe the property, system and symptoms. The team can review the context before recommending an appropriate investigation route.
