Frequently asked questions

We are the number one Leak Detection experts in the United Kingdom. We operate around the clock for our customers

FAQs

Yes we can! However, we may need to carry out minor excavation works to expose it before we repair it.

To avoid further problems arising, the area must be dried once the leak has been repaired. Moisture generally traps itself within surfaces even if you can’t physically see it. If the property has not been dried after a leak, mould and further damage will appear in the décor of your building. This will also cause health implications when mould is taken in via the lungs, which can seriously cause issues to your health.

There are several ways of testing this one of which is to turn off the stop cock for the water feed running into your property. Check to see if the meter gauge is still running then this is a clear indication here is a suspected leak on your side of the property. The stop cock is either located underneath your kitchen ink or alternatively under your stair cupboard. Another form is to look out for sudden damp patches appearing in certain sections of your property.

There are 2 types of stop cocks in your property, there’s a Mains, which comes in via the feed of the street which generally is accessible via the water providers also another inside your private property which caps off the water from the mains street feed to the internal side of your property which is generally located under your staircase or kitchen sink.
There are several ways of testing this. One of which is to turn off the stop cock for the water feed running into your property. Check to see if the meter gauge is still running, this will give you a clear indication of whether or not there is a suspected leak on your side of the property. The stop cock is either located underneath your kitchen sink or under your stair cupboard. Another form is to look out for sudden damp patches appearing in certain parts of your property for example, along your walls or skirting boards.
Unfortunately with some leaks, you can’t prevent all damage, however, we can take certain steps to reduce the amount of damage that will be caused by the leak. The first step in minimizing damage is to turn off your water supply to the house. Try to turn your boiler off, this will stop damage if the boiler pipework runs dry. If possible, start to dry any standing water, you could use a mop if there isn’t a lot of water or maybe some towels.
Check the floor above for signs of damp. If there is a property above you we would recommend you speak to the occupant above to see if they are also suffering signs of a leak. If there is a roof above, please see our answer to “Water stains have appeared in my property after heavy rainfall. What do I do? “. If there is a bathroom or shower above the area this could also be the source of the leak. You could investigate using a simple water test with a showerhead around your bath and shower seals.
This could be a sign of a leak on the central heating system or a problem with the boiler
The ground source heating systems are a very efficient and environmentally friendly way of collecting heat but when they go wrong, they go terribly wrong. Unfortunately, because of the amount of piping buried under the floor they can become very susceptible to leaks, which can be extremely difficult to locate within the floor surface. We have helped various customers locate leaks in these systems with enormous success. We like a completed leak so I guess we’ll keep looking until we find it.
Please don’t hesitate to contact one of our knowledgeable customer service representatives.
This is a service we offer. It includes all the aspects of Trace and Access but also includes fixing the leak which will often only take a day to complete. Trace and access is an Insurance term for non-destructively tracing the area of the leak and then exposing the leak i.e. excavating concrete or removing floorboards. The chances are you may be covered for this under your home or buildings insurance policy but you will have to check your policy wording handbook to see if you’re covered.
Leak Detection is the finding of hidden leaks. Unlike others, we complete leak detection in a non-destructive manner, minimising disruption to your commercial or residential premises.
Non-destructive Leak Detection is where we use various pieces of equipment to pinpoint the area without damaging your property.
Research has shown that a typical household loses 2,000 to 20,000 gallons of water per year due to leaks. As a result, no water leak should ever be overlooked, irrespective of its size. Even a seemingly small leak can lose approximately 20 litres of water every hour!
This may be a sign of a leak, possibly that’s been ongoing a while. Please see our answer to “how do I know I’ve got a leak?” above to get a quick idea of how to diagnose a leak. It is also likely that you will require drying to the property to prevent further mould growth. We can carry out moisture surveys to advise you on the condition of your home and suggest the best resolution for you.
Your property should not show any signs of damp. It may be as simple as a spillage but could be something more complicated. However, if you are still in any doubt, please feel free to contact us and speak to one of our operatives who will talk you through some simple tests.
As a company, we have dealt with a variety of different commercial properties, each with different requirements. We know that each property will have different requirements and different ways they want to work to and we can adapt to that to suit you. Please call us free.
We are generally called out to schools, playgrounds, car parks, fields and generally use specialist methods to detect leeks one of the main see signs is a pooling area on a dry day or a moist spot which is always an indication of a leak. My ground heating system is losing pressure It’s a shame but due to the number of pipes buried in concrete it’s always one of the main causes of a leak in a property and extremely difcult to locate due to the swirl of pipes sometimes but if there’s a leak we are sure to find it.
All modern homes are required to be fitted with an inside and outside mains water stopcock, so don’t worry if you can’t find yours under the kitchen sink! Many properties have their mains water stopcock positioned in an airing cupboard, under the bathroom sink, in a utility cupboard, under your floorboards by your front door, within a garage, cellar or behind a panel next to your boiler. Apartment buildings often share a mains water stopcock so if you are having trouble finding yours why not ask your neighbours?
If one of your radiators is not heating up or is cold, it could just need bleeding. However, if bleeding the radiator does not work or if it is linked with any other symptoms outlined in this FAQ, it could be a sign of a leak.
This could be an indication of a leak on a regular/gravity fed heating system or a leak from a water storage tank. If you can access your storage tanks, look to see which is filling as this will give you an indication of which the system is suffering the problem.
Clear away any furniture that may be positioned directly in front or underneath the water stains. Perform a visual check of your guttering to ensure there are no blockages. This can easily be caused by leaves and other organic material. Check to make sure that there are no drains outside the property that are overflowing. If the leak stops when it stops raining the issue is likely to reappear during the next heavy rainfall so leak detection may still be required. The property may also require drying as the majority of moisture is not visible and is retained within the structure of the building.
are not all visible. These can include damp patches, high water bills, damp smells, boiler issues and even subsidence. Please read further on for more information on how to recognise leaks and what to do. Alternatively, you can contact us and one of our advisors will assist you.
Your plumber will carry out basic methods of tracing a leak whereas a leak detection expert will use specialist machinery and technology to pinpoint a leak without having to tear your premises apart.
Trace and Access (or “Track and Trace”) is an Insurance term for non-destructively tracing the area of the leak and then exposing the leak i.e. excavating concrete or removing floorboards. If you are covered for this it will be detailed in your policy handbook. However, your insurance company is unlikely to cover the actual fixing of the leak.
 
Often your insurer will ask you to find your own leak detection company and they will then reimburse you once the leak is found. Please check your policy handbook to see if you are covered.

Yes. Heating pipes can run beneath flooring, screed and concrete. Leak Detection 24/7 uses specialist detection technology to help locate concealed pipework leaks before invasive access is considered.

Yes. A concealed heating pipe carrying hot water can create an unusual warm area where a problem is occurring. Thermal imaging can help investigate temperature differences across floors and walls.

A persistent hidden leak can introduce moisture into building materials, potentially contributing to damp and mould. If mould keeps returning around a heating system, identifying the moisture source is important.

Yes. Persistent moisture can damage flooring and other building materials. Early detection can help reduce the duration of water exposure and potentially limit the extent of damage.

Yes. If concealed heating pipework leaks above a ceiling, water can migrate through building materials and eventually create staining, damp patches or other visible damage. Find out more here

Yes. Ageing radiators, valves and connections can deteriorate and eventually leak. Even a small radiator leak can contribute to system pressure loss or water damage.

Yes. A townhouse can have concealed heating pipework across multiple floors, making specialist leak detection useful when pressure loss or unexplained damp appears.

Yes. The company provides leak detection services across Berkshire and the surrounding South East, making it suitable for homeowners, landlords and businesses dealing with heating-system leaks.

Yes. Leak Detection 24/7 provides residential and commercial leak detection, including for flats and apartments where heating pipework may be concealed beneath floors or within walls.

Yes. Leak Detection 24/7 provides central heating leak detection throughout Surrey, including Guildford and surrounding communities.

Yes. Leak Detection 24/7 lists schools, colleges and universities among the commercial environments it services. Rapid identification can be particularly important where a heating leak could disrupt classrooms or building operations.

Yes, we can detect leaks in pressurised heating systems, combi boiler or even sealed systems. We frequently detect leaks in sealed heating systems, including combi boilers, pressurised cylinders and underfloor heating. If your system continues to lose pressure or your boiler needs topping up regularly, you most likely have a hidden heating leak.

Yes. Communal heating systems are one of the commercial applications covered by Leak Detection 24/7. Specialist detection can help identify the affected section of pipework while reducing disruption to residents.

Yes. Commercial heating leaks can occur within offices, warehouses, retail premises, schools, hotels and other buildings. Leak Detection 24/7 provides commercial leak detection using specialist equipment.

Yes. Underfloor heating leaks can occur in commercial as well as residential buildings. Specialist detection can help locate concealed pipework without immediately removing large areas of flooring.

Thermal imaging is one of the company’s principal detection technologies and is particularly useful for concealed heating and hot-water pipework.

Yes. Windsor and surrounding Berkshire communities can be serviced as part of Leak Detection 24/7’s wider South East coverage.

Common signs include falling boiler pressure, repeatedly topping up the system, damp patches, mould, unusual heating noises, cold radiators, warm spots on floors and unexplained water damage. Some heating leaks remain completely hidden.

Every leak is different. Location, pipework, accessibility and system complexity can affect the investigation. Our engineers aim to locate leaks quickly and heating leaks can often be repaired the same day once the source has been identified.

Common causes can include corrosion, ageing components, damaged pipework, failed joints, poor connections and general wear and tear. The exact cause depends on the heating system and location of the leak.

Depending on the problem, engineers can use thermal imaging cameras, acoustic listening equipment, moisture meters, tracer gas systems and other specialist inspection equipment. The appropriate method depends on the property and suspected leak.

Heating leaks generally involve incoming mains or pipework feeding taps and toilets etc. Whereas heating leaks typically relate to boiler systems, radiators, underfloor heating or pipework within the central heating system.

Our team of Leak Detection engineers are well trained in location both types of leaks in domestic and commercial properties using specialist tools. This also helps us to minimize damage to the property.

Our engineers operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, allowing customers to request emergency assistance with leaks in Oxford when heating leaks occur outside normal working hours.

The company’s approach is based on non-invasive leak detection wherever possible. Thermal imaging, acoustic detection, moisture meters and tracer gas can help locate a suspected leak while minimising unnecessary damage.

We provide leak detection services throughout Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire and the surrounding communities. Engineers can investigate residential and commercial heating leaks using specialist detection technology.

Leak Detection 24/7 combines specialist equipment, experienced engineers and non-invasive investigation techniques. It works across residential and commercial properties, provides photographic reports and publishes a 99.8% detection success rate.

A drop in boiler pressure can often indicate a leak in your central heating system. Especially in underfloor pipes or joints. Our team specialises in detecting these kinds of heating leaks with minimal disruption.

Repeated pressure loss can indicate that water is escaping from the heating system. Possible sources include radiators, valves, joints, boiler components, concealed pipework and underfloor heating.

A cold radiator can have several causes, including trapped air, balancing problems, valve issues or a heating-system fault. If it occurs alongside pressure loss, dampness or repeated boiler top-ups, a heating leak should also be investigated.

If a leak is hidden, repeatedly repairing visible symptoms may not solve the underlying problem. Leak Detection 24/7 focuses on specialist leak location, using diagnostic technology to identify the source with minimal disruption before repair work is undertaken.

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