Leak detection and pipe repairs in Bristol
Water leaks hidden in walls, under floors or buried in the garden can waste money and damage your home before you notice them. We use thermal imaging and acoustic detection to pinpoint the leak, then repair it properly so it doesn't come back.
What you get with leak detection
- Thermal imaging or acoustic survey to find the exact location
- A clear explanation of what's wrong and where the leak is
- Written quote for the repair before we start
- Pipe repaired or replaced with the minimum disruption
- Pressure test to confirm the leak is fixed
Five warning signs before the damage gets worse
Some leaks announce themselves loudly; others hide for months. If you spot any of these, it's worth getting a plumber in to check before a small drip becomes a big bill.
Your water bill shoots up
A sudden spike in your usage, with no change in how you use water, often means a pipe is leaking somewhere you can't see. Even a tiny drip adds up fast.
Damp patches or soft spots on walls or floors
A dark or wet patch on a wall, ceiling or floor can mean a pipe in the cavity, under the floor or in the walls is weeping. Don't wait for it to spread.
Mould or a musty smell
Mould grows where it's constantly damp. If you see black spots or smell damp air that won't shift, a hidden leak could be feeding it.
Water pooling in the garden or under the driveway
A burst or leaking underground water pipe will create a soggy patch even in dry weather. If it's your supply pipe, you're losing water 24/7.
The mains water stopcock is hard to turn or leaks
A stiff or weeping stopcock can mean sediment or corrosion inside the pipe. If there's water around it, the supply line may be deteriorating.
Two ways to locate a hidden leak without ripping open walls
Modern detection equipment saves time, money and mess. Instead of guessing or breaking into pipes, we use thermal cameras and listening devices to pinpoint exactly where the water is going.
Thermal imaging
A thermal camera shows temperature differences in walls and floors. A leak creates a cold patch on a water pipe or a warm patch where water is pooling. Perfect for finding leaks in floors, under tiles and in cavities.
- Finds
- Leaks in underfloor pipes, central heating runs, and buried supply pipes
- Works best
- On concrete floors and solid walls where the leak affects surface temperature
Acoustic detection
A listening device picks up the sound of water escaping under pressure. It's like a stethoscope for pipes. We narrow down the leak by listening at different points along the run.
- Finds
- Leaks in pressurised pipes under floors, in walls and in gardens
- Works best
- On mains water pipes and central heating pipes, especially at night when background noise is low
What a leak detection and repair covers
We price detection and repair separately, so you know what each stage costs. Here is what you get at each step.
Detection visit
- Thermal imaging or acoustic survey of the affected area
- Full explanation of where the leak is and what's caused it
- Written quote for the repair, with no surprises
- Photos or video of the location if needed for your records
Repair
- Access to the damaged section with the minimum disruption
- Pipe cut out or joint replaced with new copper or compression fittings
- System refilled and pressurised to the correct level
- Pressure test to confirm the repair is sound
- Area made good and tidy before we leave
From first call to a dry home
Leak detection is straightforward. Most jobs are done in two visits: one to find it, one to fix it. Here's what happens at each stage.
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You call or book online
Tell us about the signs you've noticed—a high bill, damp patches, wet ground—and we'll arrange a visit at a time that suits you.
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Detection survey
We arrive with thermal imaging or acoustic kit, locate the leak and explain what we've found. You get a written quote for the repair before we do any work.
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Repair visit
We cut into the pipe with the least mess possible, replace the damaged section or joint, and test the system under pressure to make sure it's tight.
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Make good and sign off
We reinstate the floor, wall or ground as needed, clean up, and confirm the water bill will drop once the leak is gone.
What your pipes are made of and when they fail
The material of your pipe affects what causes leaks and how easily they can be repaired. Here's what you're likely to have and what to watch for.
Copper
Durable and trusty. Copper lasts 50+ years but can suffer pinhole leaks from acidic water or aggressive electrolysis if it's connected to steel fittings without isolation. A small leak is easy to repair with a compression fitting or solder.
Plastic (PVC, MDPE or PEX)
Modern supply pipes and central heating pipes are often plastic. They resist corrosion but can be damaged by UV, sharp edges during installation, or rodent teeth. Repairs usually mean cutting out the damaged section and joining with a compression fitting or pushfit.
Galvanised steel
Common in older homes. The zinc coating rusts from the inside out, creating blockages and leaks. Once it starts, corrosion spreads. A small leak can signal the whole run is failing and a replacement might be cheaper than repeated repairs.
Lead (in very old homes)
A lead pipe is a health risk as well as a leak risk. If you find one, it should be replaced with copper or plastic for safety. This is a job for a qualified plumber, not a DIY fix.
Why leak repairs vary in cost
Detection is straightforward; repair costs depend on where the leak is, what kind of pipe it is and how easy it is to reach. Here's what changes the quote.
Where the leak is
A leak in an easy-access cupboard is quicker to fix than one under a concrete floor, in cavity walls or 2 metres up a chimney breast. Location drives labour time.
Type of pipe and fitting
Replacing a simple coupling on a copper pipe in an airing cupboard is cheaper than splicing a plastic underground supply pipe or unsoldering a galvanised steel joint.
Making good afterwards
A repair in a wall cavity or under a concrete floor may need the cavity to be sealed, replastering, new floorboards or reinstatement of the surface. This adds to the cost.
Detection method
Thermal imaging is quicker and cheaper than an acoustic survey in most cases. If the leak is obvious (a visible puddle or sound of running water), we may not need to charge for detection at all.
Extent of damage
If a leak has weakened the pipe over a long stretch or caused corrosion, more pipe may need replacing than just the pinhole. We'll explain this in the quote.
Keep an eye on things and your bill should drop
A repaired leak should stop your water bill climbing. A few simple checks make sure the problem doesn't come back.
- Check your water meter. Read it a few days after the repair. If the numbers are still rising when no taps are on, there may be another leak we didn't find.
- Monitor damp patches. If a wall or floor stays wet after the pipe is fixed, it may take weeks to dry out. Open windows to speed it up, or consider a dehumidifier if it's a large area.
- Look for mould. Once the source of moisture is gone, mould should stop spreading. Clean affected areas with a fungicide, or call a surveyor if the damage is extensive.
- Have your boiler serviced. If the leak was in your central heating, the system may have sludge or air in it. A service flushes it out and tops up the inhibitor.
- If the leak was on the supply pipe, contact the water company. They may refund part of an inflated bill once they've confirmed the repair.
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Leak detection and repair questions
Can't find the answer? Call us on 01225 123456 or use the contact form below.
How long does a leak detection survey take?
A typical survey takes 45 minutes to an hour. We assess the area, use thermal or acoustic equipment, locate the leak and explain what we've found. If the leak is obvious, it may be quicker.
Can you detect a leak if it's completely hidden underground?
Yes. Underground supply pipes and buried central heating pipes can be detected using acoustic equipment, which picks up the sound of water escaping under pressure. Thermal imaging also works if the leak affects soil temperature. We'll recommend the best method once we understand your situation.
What if the leak is in a pipe that belongs to the water company?
The mains water pipe up to your stopcock belongs to the water company. If the leak is between the main and your stopcock, they'll repair it for free. If it's between the stopcock and your home, it's your responsibility. We'll identify which side the leak is on and advise you.
Is the repair covered by building insurance?
Accidental damage cover usually includes burst pipes, but not leaks caused by wear or corrosion. Damage from a leak you knew about but ignored won't be covered. It's worth checking your policy, and always get a leak fixed quickly to avoid a claim being rejected.
How much will a repair cost?
It depends on where the leak is, what type of pipe it is and how easy it is to reach. A simple repair in an airing cupboard might be £150–£250; a complex one under a concrete floor could be several hundred pounds. We give you a written quote after the survey, with no hidden costs.
Can thermal imaging find all leaks?
Thermal imaging works best on solid floors and cavities where temperature differences are clear. It's less effective on very thick insulation or if the leak is old and the area has dried out. Acoustic detection is better for pressurised supply pipes. We'll advise which method is right for your situation.
Get a detection survey booked today
We'll find exactly where the water is going and give you a clear, honest quote for the repair. There's no callout charge, and you won't pay anything until you're ready to go ahead.
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